Manager, Turfgrass Research Facility

Department: OMAFRA Research Facilities

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

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General Purpose

Reporting to the Director, Research Facilities Management, the Manager, Turfgrass Research Facility oversees general field maintenance of both intensive turf reserach plots and facility grounds at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. The Manager also provides on-site working-knowledge and technical support for turfgrass research as directed by Principal Investigators and Reserach Technicians.  The Guelph Turfgrass Institute (GTI) is a multidisciplinary research, teaching and extension facility located on the University of Guelph campus.  Research trials focusing primarily on turfgrass and environmental science are conducted on site by numerous UofG departments and organizations and often engage in partnerships and collaborations with other research institutions and funding agencies.  Teaching and outreach programs also take place at the GTI, including classes and laboratories in the Associate Diploma of Turfgrass Management (DTM) and workshops/seminars for the horticultural industry and general public.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day operations of the station including research plot allocation, land preparation and maintenance, the ordering and application/use of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and machinery, managing and conducting all aspects of turfgrass management (planting; fertilizing and pest management, maintenance/mowing; irrigation, etc.), and station operations not tied directly to specific faculty-led research projects.  
• Providing technical support and expertise in the planning, implementation, conduct and delivery of station led performance, variety or demonstration trials as required for external stakeholders and UofG researchers who do not have their own technical support staff. This technical support includes ensuring that all trials are implemented and executed in a timely manner, adhering to turf management principles and best practices to provide high levels of quality, accuracy and reliability with due consideration to effectiveness, cost and safety.  
• Managing and supervising the operational and administrative activities at the station including hiring, training and supervision of full-time, temporary and part-time staff and ensuring that all personnel at the station are following University and government prescribed health and safety procedures; formulating and monitoring the station budget, authorizing expenditures and managing costs.  

Requirements

• A 2 year Community College Diploma in Turf Management or equivalent plus a minimum of 3 years related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Experience with human resources management as well as financial management
• Excellent human relations and communication skills
• Initiative, professionalism, discretion, sound judgement, tact and diplomacy
• Solid competency in MS Office Word and Excel, and email systems.
• Class G Driver’s Licence is required, as is Grower Pesticide Safety Certification (or willingness to obtain such). 

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10447089 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 05    
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.
 

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:  01/07/2025  
Closing Date:  01/23/2025