Oklahoma State University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture (HLA) is seeking a Senior Agriculturalist to manage vegetable production research plots, small fruit research areas, high tunnel operations, and viticulture demonstration areas across multiple OSU locations including Cimarron Valley Research Station in Perkins, The Botanic Garden at OSU, Greenhouse Learning Center, and OSU Vegetable Student Farm.
Competitive Compensation
Hiring Range: $45,000 – $55,000 per year
Appointment: Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm (occasional evenings/weekends)
Position Overview
This Senior Agriculturalist position serves the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Oklahoma State University, providing critical support for day-to-day management of vegetable production research plots and land, small fruit tree and shrub research areas, high tunnel research facilities, and viticulture research and demonstration areas located at multiple OSU facilities.
Housed at OSU HLA in Stillwater, OK with regular travel to Perkins, OK required, this position reports directly to the Department Head of the HLA Department and works closely with current OSU HLA Senior Agriculturalist while supervising undergraduate student workers and interns.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As Senior Agriculturalist at OSU, you contribute to agricultural research advancing vegetable and small fruit production, manage diverse research operations supporting faculty investigations, mentor undergraduate students in hands-on agriculture, and work for prestigious land-grant university committed to agricultural excellence and education.
Position Responsibilities
As Senior Agriculturalist at Oklahoma State University, your responsibilities include:
Vegetable & Small Fruit Crop Production
- Assist with vegetable crop production in research plots and student farm settings
- Manage small fruit crop production including tree and shrub research areas
- Oversee high tunnel research area operations for controlled environment production
- Support viticulture research and demonstration areas at multiple locations
Soil & Fertility Management
- Conduct soil testing and interpretation for research plots and production areas
- Manage fertilizer applications based on soil test recommendations
- Oversee compost system management supporting sustainable production
- Monitor soil fertility and make recommendations for improvements
Pest & Disease Management
- Scout for pests, insects, and diseases in vegetable and small fruit crops
- Apply chemical and pesticide applications following proper protocols
- Monitor pest populations and implement integrated pest management strategies
- Maintain pesticide application records and compliance documentation
Field Operations & Equipment Management
- Operate and maintain farm equipment and machinery for research operations
- Perform tillage operations preparing fields for planting
- Manage cover crop systems for soil health and fertility
- Start and transplant crops according to research protocols
- Seed crops using appropriate planting equipment and techniques
Irrigation & Water Management
- Install and manage irrigation systems for research plots and production areas
- Monitor crop water needs and schedule irrigation applications
- Maintain irrigation equipment ensuring efficient water delivery
- Implement drip irrigation and plasticulture systems
Harvest & Post-Harvest Operations
- Manage produce handling in field and controlled environment settings
- Oversee mulching operations for crop production
- Ensure produce safety throughout harvest and handling processes
Student Supervision & Training
- Supervise undergraduate student workers and interns
- Train students on proper horticultural and agricultural techniques
- Guide students in safe equipment operation and field procedures
Required Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this senior agriculturalist position must possess:
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture
- OR Bachelor’s in Plant Science
- OR Bachelor’s in Soil Science
- OR Bachelor’s in Agronomy
- OR Bachelor’s in Environmental Science
- OR closely related field
- Degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date
Experience Requirements
- 1-3 years of progressively responsible experience in agronomic or horticultural crop production
- OR 1-3 years in farm operations or agricultural research support
- Experience must include hands-on operation and maintenance of farm equipment and machinery
- Experience with irrigation system installation and management
- Experience with pesticide application
- Experience in soil fertility management
- Experience working on or supporting university, commercial, or government farm or research operations
Essential Abilities
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision across multiple locations
Certifications & Licenses
- Valid Oklahoma driver’s license
- Oklahoma Pesticide Applicator’s License (Category 3a, 3c and 10) OR ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
Skills & Proficiencies
- Knowledge of agronomic and horticultural crop production practices
- Knowledge of farm and garden equipment operation and safety
- Knowledge of irrigation systems and pesticide application protocols
- Ability to maintain accurate field and research records
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of team
- Proficiency in common computer software (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Microsoft 365)
- Demonstrated ability to train and guide student workers
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are preferred but not required:
- Master’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science or closely related field
- More than 3 years of progressively responsible experience in agronomic or horticultural crop production, farm operations, or agricultural research support
- Experience supporting university-based agricultural research, including maintenance of research plots and coordination with faculty investigators
- Experience in vegetable production systems, plasticulture, and drip irrigation
- Prior experience supervising student workers or seasonal employees
- Familiarity with OSU Extension or land-grant university operations
Who Should Apply?
This OSU senior agriculturalist role is ideal for:
- Horticulture Graduates: With 1-3 years vegetable or small fruit production experience
- Farm Managers: From commercial operations seeking university research career
- Agricultural Research Technicians: With field operations and equipment experience
- Extension Educators: Wanting hands-on research support role
- Crop Production Specialists: With irrigation and pest management expertise
How to Apply
For full consideration, please include:
- Resume highlighting relevant education and agricultural experience
- Cover letter explaining interest in position and qualifications
- Contact information for three professional references
Application Contact: Dr. Justin Moss, mossjq@okstate.edu
Requisition ID: 493973
Recently Uploaded JOBS👇
Field Testing Specialist Jobs USA 2026
Agronomist Jobs in the USA 2026
Field Agronomist Jobs USA 2026
Seed Production Agronomist Jobs California 2026
Agronomist Remote Jobs USA 2026
Soil Scientist Jobs Remote USA 2026
