Turfgrass Research Center Manager

Job Description

This position provides direct support and managerial oversight for operations at Virginia Techs Turfgrass Research Center (TRC) located in Blacksburg Virginia. The TRC is a key facility within Virginia Techs College of Agriculture and Life Sciences supporting research and education in turfgrass science.
In this role the Turfgrass Research Center Manager coordinates maintenance and operations across the TRCs research plots equipment and infrastructure to enable high-quality turfgrass research and outreach programs. The manager works closely with faculty staff students and industry partners to ensure safe efficient and sustainable facility operations.
The individual in this position is responsible for leading turfgrass management practices supervising personnel and overseeing equipment and resource allocation to meet diverse research needs. This includes monitoring turf health implementing integrated pest management strategies maintaining compliance with OSHA FIFRA and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation standards and managing chemical inventories and applications.
Additional responsibilities include financial oversight strategic planning and project execution. The manager develops annual operational strategies manages budgets secures funding and donations and plans facility improvements in collaboration with faculty and staff. The role also encompasses procurement and preventive maintenance of specialized turf and construction equipment as well as oversight of irrigation systems research field installations and landscape renovations.
The Turfgrass Research Center Manager reports administratively to the designated faculty lead and plays a key coordinating role with university researchers technical staff and allied professional associations. While not a job requirement the individual is encouraged to participate in professional meetings and events as part of their continued professional development as coordinated with their supervisor.
Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Required Qualifications

Four-year degree in turfgrass science horticulture agricultural sciences or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; Working knowledge of turfgrass management practices and ability to operate and maintain specialized turf equipment safely and effectively including mowers sprayers aerators and construction equipment; Managerial capability to prioritize daily weekly and seasonal tasks and to coordinate these tasks with faculty students and technical staff conducting turfgrass research and education programs; Computer skills sufficient for record keeping budgeting inventory management and data reporting as required for facility operations; Must have a valid drivers license and good driving record; Must have or obtain within one year of hire a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators License in Category 10 (Demonstration and Research Pest Control); Ability to comply with OSHA FIFRA and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation standards for chemical handling and application; Physical ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and perform tasks requiring lifting bending and extended periods of standing.

Preferred Qualifications

College-level training and work experience with turfgrass research techniques and experimental design; Demonstrated experience in turfgrass management or related agricultural operations in a research or production setting; Familiarity with irrigation system installation troubleshooting and maintenance; Working knowledge of soil and water conservation and protection practices; Experience supervising employees volunteers or student work groups; Ability to develop and implement operational strategies and contribute to long-term facility planning

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$55000 - $60000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

03/29/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.