| Posted: | September 29, 2009 |
| Job Title: | Greenhouse and Field Manager |
| Institution: | Gus R. Douglass Institute (GRDI) - Agricultural and Environm |
| Description: | The Greenhouse and Field Manager is responsible for the operation, management and maintenance of
the WVSU Research and Development Corporation GRDI AERS greenhouse facilities, field plots (on
and off campus) and the display and trial gardens. The Greenhouse and Field Manager provides and
supervises the care of the AERS Plant Science Facilities, ensures the proper functioning of the
greenhouse, growth chamber, and irrigation controls, and interacts with and advises greenhouse users
on issues regarding plant culture, propagation and greenhouse use and supervises up to five
employees.
Working in collaboration with the WVSU R & D Corporation Gus R. Douglass Institute staff, the
Greenhouse and Field Manager will provide support for the Institute’s mission: “to aid in the
academic, technological, economic, and social advancement of the State of West Virginia by
identifying resources and programs pertinent to the progression and dissemination of knowledge and
services by way of research, teaching, and extension."
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Technical Assistance (65%)
Curriculum and Program Development (15%)
Instruction (15%)
Administrative (10%)
Other Duties as Assigned (5%)
Description of Essential Duties
Technical Assistance (65%)
• Keep abreast of scientific and applied research on areas pertinent to the respective field of work.
• Provide technical assistance to Research, Extension and other staff in areas of expertise.
• Provide consultation, technical assistance, and education to a diverse audience of stakeholders.
• Represent West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation with
appropriate individuals, agencies, and organizations on a state, regional, national, and
international basis.
• Organize, participate in, and evaluate training and meetings in areas of expertise.
Curriculum and Program Development (15%)
• Identify and design research projects to promote improved programs for the citizenry of West
Virginia and the Appalachia region.
• Work collaboratively with Researchers, Extension staff and other personnel to provide leadership
for interdisciplinary programs. This includes programs with West Virginia University, WV
Department of Agriculture and other university partners as well as external agency and
organizational partners.
• Plan, develop, implement, and assess programs, curricula, and products for use at the AERS Plant
Science Facilities.
• Give major emphasis to coordinating the efforts of interdisciplinary teams addressing major
issues facing agriculture in West Virginia (including issues that cross program areas)
Instruction (15%)
• Work with staff to identify in-service needs of AERS and Extension personnel and develop a plan
to meet those needs.
• Maintain accurate records on participants and program evaluations.
• Participate in the program delivery process with AERS and Extension personnel at all levels.
• Support and participation in exhibitions, such as fairs and festivals, throughout West Virginia to
provide opportunities for informal interaction and education of the citizenry of the state.
Adminsitrative (10%)
• Direct and coordinate greenhouse, field plot and display/trial garden budgets for the position
including monitoring of grant funds obtained and expended to meet any requisite reporting
requirements.
• Collaborate with WVSU R & D Corp. Research and Extension personnel, as well as local, state,
and federal agencies in order to expanded program resources.
Other Responsibilities as Assigned (5%)
• Conduct activities to foster a positive public image of WVSU R & D Corp. Agriculture and
Environmental Research Station, West Virginia State University Research and Development
Corporation Extension, The Gus R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute, and West Virginia State
University as an 1890 Land-Grant Institution.
• Share leadership in Research and Extension’s commitment to employ and provide programming
for the diversity represented in West Virginia's population.
• Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises student employees in the AERS Greenhouse, Field Plots, Display and Trial
Gardens and other sites. The Greenhouse and Field Manager will carry out supervisory
responsibilities in accordance with the WVSU R&D Corporation's policies and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and
directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing
complaints and resolving problems. |
| Requirements: | To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability
required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
the essential functions.
The ideal candidate will be detail oriented, well-organized, enthusiastic and able to appreciate goalbased
research and development. Demonstrated success in working as part of a team and initiating
collaborative partnerships is sought. Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours with a
minimum of supervision.
Education
A bachelor's degree from an accredited College or University in a plant science related field required.
Master’s degree preferred.
Experience
A minimum of three (3) years experience is required. Greenhouse or field facility management
experience preferred. Incumbent must have knowledge of integrated pest management principles and
practices, working knowledge of fertilizers, pesticides, including how, why and when to apply;
accordingly apply relevant safety and legal requirements, the correct use of related equipment and be
able to teach and certify workers in such. Candidate must have strong written and oral
communication skills and experience in working with diverse clientele and organizations with a
verifiable history of managing people.
Language Skills
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical procedures, professional journals, general business
periodicals, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers,
clients, customers, and the general public.
Reasoning Ability
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations
where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:
• Knowledge of computers and applications including Microsoft Office Suite programs,
specifically Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access and Excel.
• Knowledge or ability to learn specialty software to control greenhouses, growth chambers and
irrigation systems
Other Qualifications
• Must have or be able to acquire and maintain a valid WV driver’s license
• Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a WV Pesticide Applicator Certification. If not
currently licensed, must attain within six months of employment.
• Must be able to travel both in and out of state.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to moving mechanical parts
and vehicles. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions
prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The Greenhouse and Field Manager is expected to handle varying work conditions, which require
close concentration, visual attention and the need for manual and/or physical dexterity. He/she must
be able to work sometimes in extreme weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job,
the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or
crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision requirements
for this job include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision and depth perception. |
| Contact: | West Virginia State University
Research and Development Corporation
Gus R. Douglass Land-Grant Institute
Human Resources Office
POB 1000, Campus 200 East Hall
Institute, WV 25112-1000 |
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