Description

As the Assistant Director of Horticulture Teaching Facilities, you will serve under the Horticulture Department Chair (or Director) and will be responsible for the day-to-day management, strategic planning, and operational oversight of three hands-on educational facilities, including the Horticulture Center (a 15-acre farm with orchard, nursery, and small fruit plantings), the Horticulture Teaching Greenhouses (a 10,000 sq ft greenhouse), and the Horticulture Display Garden. These educational facilities are particularly important for hands-on student experiences via HORT courses and horticulture-aligned student clubs (Horticulture Club and HORTA – Horticulture Alliance). These facilities also support research, outreach, and community engagement activities.
 

In this role, you will plays a critical leadership role in supporting academic programs by integrating facility operations with instructional goals, student engagement, faculty collaboration, and workforce development. You will performs and oversees the maintenance and repair of greenhouses, orchards and nurseries, and display gardens. You exercises independent judgment and discretion related to operational planning, budget management, staffing, and safety compliance. You will coordinates the use of the facilities for research, extension, student clubs, and public events, ensuring optimal functionality, educational value, and alignment with university and departmental objectives. You may also conduct formal teaching via lectures and laboratories that align closely with student engagement with Horticulture Teaching Facilities.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, plant sciences, agriculture, ecology, natural resources, or a related field.
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in greenhouse management, facility, program, or farm management, including at least one (1) year of supervisory experience.
Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative setting with diverse stakeholders.
Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Ability to work independently and make decisions that impact operational success and student learning outcomes.
Washington Public Operator Pesticide License.
 

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in horticulture, agricultural education, plant sciences, ecology, or a related discipline.
Experience working in a university or educational setting.
Knowledge of greenhouse climate control systems, orchard and nursery production, and sustainable farm management.
Experience engaging students or supporting academic instruction in hands-on environments.
Familiarity with student development and/or experiential learning theory.
Experience coordinating or supporting outreach, research trials, and community engagement programs.