Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Chris Richards, chris.richards@okstate.edu

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday with occasional early mornings, evenings and/or weekends. Hours may vary, depending upon station research activities, weather, emergency maintenance required, etc.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$15.00 - $22.00 Hourly

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.

About this Position

Who We Are: The Field and Research Service Unit (FRSU) is a component of OSU Ag Research that has a mission to conduct research on agriculture, natural resources, rural economies and social issues to increase science-based knowledge and develop technology to improve the lives of Oklahomans.

The Field & Research Service Unit encompasses the infrastructure and local staff for field- and lab-based research experiments. Facilities include 21 research units with research stations that span the diverse environments across Oklahoma and the campus based Controlled Environmental Research Lab, Turf Research Station, Stored Products Research Center, Animal Nutrition Physiology Center, multiple greenhouses, and core lab facilities. For more information, please visit: https://agresearch.okstate.edu/. The Turf Research Station conducts research and demonstrations to develop new turf varieties for sports and residential uses and evaluates management techniques to to reduce inputs required to maintain quality turf stands with less nutrients and water inputs. 

There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU, check out our great benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html

General duties included assisting with the overall care and maintenance of turf plots, irrigation, equipment, and facilities associated with the OSU Turf Research Station located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The successful candidate is to work closely with the Station Superintendent, other station staff, and researchers to provide support to turf research projects. This includes common turf management, specific research support activities, irrigation installation, maintenance, and operation, ground preparation, maintenance and repair of equipment, grounds keeping, overseeing equipment operation and safety training for students and temporary staff utilizing the equipment, and other duties as assigned.

The incumbent must have sound independent judgment and abilities to productively perform daily operations such as facility care, equipment maintenance, plot mowing, irrigation management and maintenance, and chemical and fertilizer applications. Follow all label recommendations, State and Federal regulations regarding the utilization of chemicals and pesticides.

They must be able to effectively assign duties, provide hands-on supervision, and routinely inspect the work of other temporary personnel for quality, safety, and compliance. Must have demonstrated competency and effective use of computing and computer-based communications technology.

This position requires a service attitude with strengths in teamwork, professionalism, dependability, and resource stewardship.  Other duties are to be completed as assigned. 

Required Qualifications

• High School/GED

  Field Supervisor Level: Two years of related work experiences, including but not limited to: familiarity with turf management, equipment operations, equipment repair, some supervisory experience, leadership roles, workload management, and basic field-level turf research practices in agriculture.

  Senior Supervisor Level: One of the following: High School/GED. Five years of related work experience, including but not limited to familiarity with turf management, equipment operations, equipment repair, some supervisory experience, leadership roles, workload management, and basic field-level turf research practices in agriculture. Two years of post-secondary training in relevant fields. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

  (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• Basic knowledge of turf care and irrigation maintenance.  Progressively more responsibility in the care of turf plots. 

  Good mechanical aptitude required. Must have an eye for detail to help implement a preventive maintenance program. Must be able to maintain, make repairs, and operate various research equipment, including mowers, greens rollers, skid loaders, chain saws, and sprayers. Basic understanding of small engine operation, carpentry, plumbing, and painting.

• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

  Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must acquire pesticide applicator's license within 3 months after hire.  Must maintain a cell phone capable of communication with calls, emails, and text to be available during normal and after working hours. 

• Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

  Must be dependable, work independently, and have a service attitude. Requires an ability to effectively work with people, supervise personnel, good communication skills, and the ability to provide clear directions. Ability to work with faculty, staff, technicians, and graduate students of many departments within and outside DASNR, as well as the public and visitors to the research station. Ability to assist in demonstrations of equipment and station research areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School/GED

  Five years of related work experience, including but not limited to familiarity with turf management, equipment operations, equipment repair, some supervisory experience, leadership roles, workload management, and basic turf research practices. Two years of post-secondary training in relevant fields. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

  CDL Class A driver's license. An Oklahoma pesticide applicator's license.