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Position Details

Position Information

Requisition Number

S4624P

Home Org Name

Horticulture

Division Name

College of Agriculture

Position Title

Associate Director, Ag Research/Ext Center (Horticulture)

Job Class Code

GA06

Appointment Status

Full-time

Part-time FTE

Limited Term

No

Limited Term Length

Job Summary

The individual selected for this position will provide professional oversight, support, and management in a supportive role in the day to day operations of property managed by the Department of Horticulture, including the Paterson Greenhouse Complex and the Transformation Garden.

**About Auburn:** At Auburn, our work changes lives. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a premier public institution, Auburn University is dedicated to shaping the future of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research, scholarship, and selfless service. Auburn is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, community outreach, positive work environment, student engagement, and thriving community.

**Why employees choose Auburn:** Auburn University was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years. Employees enjoy competitive benefits that include top-notch health insurance, generous retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, flexible spending accounts, and more!

Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visitingaub.ie/working-at-auburn (https://www.auburn.edu/administration/human\_resources/employment/working-at-auburn.html) .

Essential Functions

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

+ Plans, oversees, and implements all aspects of research and provides management support in the day-to-day operations of property managed by the department of Horticulture, including the Paterson Greenhouse Complex and the Transformation Garden; assists in collecting, recording and/or reporting various observations, measurements, or other information for teaching/research projects.

+ Assists the Director in planning and deciding protocols pertaining to facilities, equipment and supplies, and employees; schedules, monitors, and maintains records of research.

+ Leads greenhouse and nursery operations to ensure all plant materials are kept in a healthy condition, while also evaluating greenhouse/nursery systems and components for proper operation.

+ Performs intermediate landscape-related duties on grounds to include non-selective herbicide application, plant installation, pruning, seasonal color maintenance, weed pulling, plant watering, pine straw/mulch installation, and sod installation; provides debris removal with cleaning and litter control equipment to keep grounds, streets, and parking lots free of dirt, leaves, trash, and other debris; maintains hardscapes using a pressure washer.

+ Provides irrigation maintenance by performing minor repairs, gluing pipes, replacing heads, and more.

+ Submits work orders to various University departments including Facilities Management, Access Control, and Ag Land and Resource Management.

+ Operates and performs minor maintenance and repair on various research and farm equipment such as trucks (with trailer), tractors (with implements), pickers, combines, skid steers, lawn care equipment, and research equipment; provides technical and mechanical assistance in the maintenance of fleet equipment and schedules annual equipment inspections and maintenance.

+ Coordinates and leads tours of units and assists in the preparation, planning, and execution of special events and activities; may assist in the development and monitoring of the department budget.

+ Performs other duties as assigned by the Director.

Why Work at Auburn?

+ **Life-Changing Impact** : Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.

+ **Culture of Excellence** : We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.

+ **We’re Here for You** : Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.

+ **Sweet Home Alabama** : The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.

+ **A Place for Everyone** : Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications are a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Agricultural Business, Management, Business or closely related field and five years of experience in horticultural operations and/or agricultural research with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and accountability.

Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications

Minimum Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge/experience with greenhouse operation and maintenance, business management principles.

Minimum Technology Skills

Knowledge/experience with computers and software programs.

Minimum License and Certifications

Valid driver’s license

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications

Desired qualifications include the following:

+ State of Alabama Ornamental/Turf Pest Control Supervisor (OTPS ) and/or State of Alabama Demonstration and Research (D&R).

+ Experience in irrigation installation/maintenance and/or experience in plumbing installation/maintenance.

+ Verifiable experience operating agricultural equipment.

Posting Detail Information

Salary Range

$51,970-$88,350

Job Category

Administrative

Working Hours if Non-Traditional

7:45 am to 4:45 pm

City position is located in:

Auburn

State position is located:

Alabama

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position

Posting Date

07/25/2025

Closing Date

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit theirwebsite (https://auburn.edu/administration/eoc/) to learn more.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please utilize the attachment feature and attach a cover letter and resume. OnlyCOMPLETE applications will be considered for selection. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Quick Link for Internal Postings

https://www.auemployment.com/postings/54833

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume

2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents