The Ohio State University, one of the largest and most respected public research universities in the United States, is now hiring an experienced and hands-on Assistant Manager of Horticulture at their renowned Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory on the Columbus Campus. Paying $17.50 to $22.86 per hour, this full-time, first-shift role within the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Operations team is a rewarding opportunity to lead horticulture operations, support cutting-edge agricultural research, and train the next generation of agricultural scientists at one of America’s most celebrated land-grant universities.
About Ohio State University Waterman Farm — CFAES Operations
Institution: The Ohio State University — one of the largest public research universities in the USA
Department: FAES | Waterman Farm — part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES)
Facility: Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory — Columbus Campus, Ohio
Research Scope: Horticulture, ecological, agronomic, turfgrass, controlled environment, and multispecies animal research operations
Recognition: Consistently ranked a Top Workplace — Forbes Best Employer and Ohio’s premier land-grant university research farm
Salary, Hours & Position Classification
Hourly Rate: $17.50 to $22.86 per hour — based on internal equity, unit budget, and candidate qualifications
Scheduled Hours: 40 hours per week — First Shift, Regular full-time position
Career Level: Farm Coordinator 4 (T4 Level) on the Ohio State University career roadmap
Supervisory Scope: Supervises 1 to 3 student employees across horticulture operations
Credentials Supported: Ohio Pesticide Commercial Applicators License + Class B CDL — unit pays for both credentials
Position Overview
The Assistant Manager of Horticulture at Waterman Farm is a comprehensive hands-on agricultural management role at the heart of Ohio State University’s CFAES research operations on the Columbus Campus. Under the supervision of the Waterman Manager, this professional coordinates and assists with plot layout, maintenance, and upkeep across one of Ohio’s most diverse and active agricultural research facilities — covering horticulture, agronomy, turfgrass, controlled environment research, and natural resources operations. If you are an experienced horticulture professional actively searching for Assistant Manager or horticulture management jobs in Columbus, Ohio in 2026, this outstanding $17.50–$22.86/hr university position offers competitive compensation, outstanding OSU benefits, university-supported credential funding, and the unique privilege of contributing daily to nationally recognized agricultural research and education at The Ohio State University.
Why This Role Matters: As Assistant Manager of Horticulture at Ohio State Waterman Farm, you directly support world-class agricultural and horticultural research conducted by OSU’s renowned CFAES faculty and research teams on the Columbus Campus, train and develop the next generation of agricultural scientists by supervising and educating student employees across diverse horticulture, agronomy, and turfgrass operations, operate and maintain advanced agricultural equipment — UTVs, tractors, skid steers, irrigation systems, and nutrient application equipment — in a research-grade facility, contribute to public showcases of best management practices in ecological and sustainable agricultural management as part of Waterman’s community engagement mission, and build a long-term, stable career at one of America’s greatest public research universities with outstanding benefits, credential funding, and professional development support.
Key Responsibilities
Horticulture Operations & Plot Management
- Coordinate and assist with plot layout, maintenance, and upkeep at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory — supporting horticulture, ecological, agronomic, turfgrass, and related research operations across the Columbus Campus
- Coordinate and assist student and other CFAES staff to maintain horticulture plots, gardens, lawn areas, green infrastructure, and seasonal maintenance tasks including snow removal throughout the year
- Operate and maintain a full range of agricultural equipment including hand tools, tillage equipment, fertilizer and herbicide application equipment, and irrigation systems at the Waterman facility
- Assist faculty, staff, and students with research plot layout, experimental design, treatment application, and other project support functions essential to CFAES research program delivery
Student Supervision, Training & Documentation
- Oversee comprehensive student training, education, and documentation on all relevant equipment — including utility vehicles (UTVs), tractors, skid steers, and similar agricultural machinery used across Waterman operations
- Assist with supervision of student employees across horticulture operations — providing clear direction, safety training, and performance guidance to support their development as agricultural professionals
- Keep accurate and up-to-date records of all field operations, weather conditions, treatment logs, and staff time records as required by CFAES operational standards and research documentation requirements
- Demonstrate and model best management practices in ecological and sustainable agricultural management as part of Waterman’s role as a public showcase and educational demonstration facility
Research Support & Cross-Unit Collaboration
- Assist faculty, researchers, and graduate students with plot establishment, experimental layout, data collection support, and treatment application across Waterman’s active research program portfolio
- Provide backup support and cross-unit assistance to other CFAES unit managers — including horticulture and specialty crops, environment and natural resources, grounds and turfgrass, CEARC, MALC, Chadwick Arboretum, and Wetlands facilities
- Assist with acquiring mechanical supplies and operational inputs required for plot management and research support activities across all Waterman program areas
- Coordinate with the Assistant Director and Managers of the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex (MALC) to assist with tasks including animal handling and facility maintenance when required
Communications, Safety & Seasonal Operations
- Maintain effective professional communications with industry partners, college administration, faculty, research staff, and the general public in a manner consistent with Ohio State University’s standards of engagement
- Adapt work schedules as necessary according to seasonal weather, soil, and crop conditions — demonstrating flexibility and operational dedication across the full agricultural calendar
- Ensure all horticulture and research operations are conducted in full compliance with relevant Ohio pesticide application regulations, safety standards, and university operational policies
- Install and operate irrigation systems as required across research plots, gardens, and managed landscape areas — ensuring appropriate soil moisture conditions for all active research programs
Qualifications & Requirements
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED — required as the minimum educational qualification for this Waterman Farm horticulture assistant manager position
- Four years of relevant experience in horticulture, soil sciences, plant health systems, or closely related agricultural field operations — a firm minimum requirement for all applicants
- Working knowledge of mechanical agricultural equipment including hand tools, tractors, nutrient and pesticide application equipment, and skid steer loaders
- Mastery of Microsoft Office applications, email, and Microsoft Teams for record-keeping, communications, and operational reporting purposes
- Ability and willingness to obtain an Ohio Pesticide Commercial Applicators License — the unit will assist in paying for this credential
- Physical ability to lift at least 50 pounds — required for hands-on horticulture and field equipment operations across the Waterman facility
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Agricultural Science, Environmental Sciences, Horticulture, or a related field — OR equivalent hands-on work experience in lieu of formal degree
- Area of academic or professional specialization in horticulture sciences with focus on plant systems, environmental systems, soil science, or related disciplines
- Master’s degree or advanced training in horticulture, soil science, or environmental sciences is a particularly valued qualification for this research-adjacent role
- Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) — or ability to obtain within 180 days of hire — unit will assist to pay for this credential
Ohio State University Benefits Package
Compensation: Competitive $17.50–$22.86/hr with offer based on qualifications, internal equity, and unit budget
Education Support: Regents-level Tuition Program and continuous learning opportunities through OSU professional training
Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, and pharmacy coverage at competitive low-cost rates for university employees
Retirement: Strong retirement plans with university employer contribution and financial planning support
Credentials Funded: Ohio Pesticide Applicators License AND Class B CDL — unit actively supports and pays for both certifications
Accessibility: Equal opportunity employer — disability accommodation support available via hr-accessibleapplication@osu.edu or (612) 624-8647
About The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University is one of the largest and most distinguished public research universities in the United States, located in Columbus, Ohio. As a land-grant institution, Ohio State has a deep and proud tradition of agricultural education, research, and community engagement — embodied in the work of its College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and facilities like the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory. The university has been consistently recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers and is committed to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion across all employment and educational programs. Working at Ohio State means joining a community of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge, serving Ohio, and making a difference in the world.
Apply: Submit your application online through the Ohio State University career site — complete your candidate profile and a
Who Should Apply?
- Experienced Horticulture Professionals: With 4+ years of horticulture, plant science, or agricultural operations experience seeking a university-based management role in Columbus, Ohio
- Agricultural Equipment Operators: With tractor, skid steer, UTV, and pesticide application equipment experience who can train and supervise student operators safely
- Research Farm Coordinators: With experience supporting university or government agricultural research operations, experimental plot management, and data documentation
- Horticulture or Agronomy Graduates: With Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees and hands-on field management experience seeking a stable, benefits-rich career with a top-10 US public university
- Sustainable Agriculture Enthusiasts: Committed to ecological best management practices, green infrastructure, and demonstrating sustainable horticulture techniques to the next generation of OSU students
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