University of Maryland

Plant Research Growth Facility Manager

University of Maryland$75K — $90K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field required
  • 3 years of greenhouse production experience
  • 1 year of supervisory experience
  • Knowledge of greenhouse production practices
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office effectively
  • Maryland Pesticide Applicator License required within 6 months

Responsibilities

  • Manage all greenhouse and growth chamber operations
  • Implement plant management practices including watering, fertilization, and pest control
  • Set and monitor environmental controls and perform troubleshooting
  • Supervise and train greenhouse personnel and oversee their daily tasks
  • Purchase and maintain inventory of plant care supplies
  • Lead tours and serve as a guest lecturer for classes
  • Ensure compliance with Worker Protection Standards and maintain proper greenhouse cleanliness

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits
  • Generous time off policies
  • Retirement savings plan options
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Access to university resources and facilities
Full Job Description
Job Description Summary
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
This position is responsible for managing the daily functions of the University of Maryland Plant Research Growth Facility, housed in the Research Greenhouse Complex and Plant Sciences buildings. The Manager shall be responsible for the maintenance of the research plant material grown in the facility. This position is in the category of an Essential Employee.

Job duties:
• Manage all greenhouse and growth chamber-related operations: Plant care and space management (60%)
o Assign and allocate greenhouse bench space, growth chamber space, use of exterior screen houses, cold frame areas, and facility storage areas.
o Implement and conduct plant management practices involving water, fertilizer, and pest control.
o Set and monitor environmental controls; troubleshoot and replace or repair Priva equipment
o Responsible for Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Compliance and Training of all greenhouse users
o Monitor and confirm functionality of all environmental controls.
o Work with PSLA Facilities Manager to resolve all maintenance needs.
o Monitor space usage and assign monthly bench charges.
o Manage and enforce proper greenhouse cleanliness and organization of common areas.
• Personnel management: Supervise and train greenhouse employees. Plant and prioritize their daily tasks and duties and communicate user needs for specialized plant care. Monitor and measure employee performance and resolve problems as needed. All administrative duties for timesheet approvals for greenhouse personnel. (20%)
• Material and supply management: Purchase and maintain inventory of plant care supplies including fertilizer and pesticides. Contact vendors to solicit donations of greenhouse supplies. Maintain pesticide materials and records to meet all state and federal requirements. All administrative duties for purchasing greenhouse supplies and materials. (10%)
• Perform other duties as necessary in support of Department goals and objectives, and objectives of Plant Research Growth Facility, to include but not limited to: (10%)
o Lead tour groups for both internal and external stakeholders
o Guest lecturer for classes held at the Research Greenhouse Complex

Preferred: Master of Science in Plant Science or related field; Experience with automated greenhouse controls (Priva, Wadsworth, or similar systems); experience with Integrated Pest Management Methods. Experience in the production and support of plant-based research preferred. Ability to effectively manage priorities and create strong working relations with other campus Departments; Exceptional numerical, organizational, and communication skills; Pest scouting skills and experience. Ability to run the fork lift or obtain required training within 6 months.

Licenses: Maryland Pesticide Applicator License required or obtained within a six month period of initial hiring date

Schedule: Must be available for irregular schedule; Must be available to work/ on call for weekends; Must be available to work Holidays, catastrophic weather conditions, etc.

Physical Demands: Some lifting, working in wet or humid weather conditions, requires hazardous material safety, working environment may have allergens (i.e. dust, grasses, etc.) must wear and work in personal protection clothing.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Applications: All candidates must apply online. Please submit an application letter, resume/CV, copy of transcripts and the names and contact information for three professional references.

Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Experience: Three (3) years of greenhouse production experience. One (1) year of experience leading or supervising professional staff. Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education. Knowledge of greenhouse production. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws. Ability to multitask while demonstrating a commitment to customer service and sensitivity to a culturally and ethnically diverse community.

Additional Job Details

Preferences:

Required Application Materials: Please submit an application letter, resume/CV, copy of transcripts, and the names and contact information for three professional references

Best Consideration Date: August 7, 2026

 

Posting Close Date:

 

Open Until Filled: Yes

 

Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required
No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit .

Department
AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture

Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular

Salary Range
$75,273 - $90,327

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this .

About University of Maryland

The University of Maryland is a public research university in College Park, Maryland. Founded in 1856, it is the flagship institution of the University System of Maryland. The university offers 127 undergraduate majors and 112 graduate programs, and is classified among 'R1: Doctoral Universities ? Very high research activity'. The university has a strong focus on research, with more than $1 billion in annual research expenditures. It is also known for its athletic programs, particularly its basketball team, the Maryland Terrapins.
Learn more about University of Maryland
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12,000 employees
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