Agricultural Technician Lead

University of Maryland; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland, College Park, is seeking an employee to assist the turfgrass research program at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center-Paint Branch Turfgrass Facility. You will perform fieldwork, operate turf management equipment, and support researchers and instructors in the field.

Ideal candidates hold a related bachelor’s degree, have turfgrass experience, and can use and maintain field equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, or related field.
• Experience managing turfgrass (golf course, sports turf, residential lawn, etc.).
• Experience conducting field research.
• Ability to use, maintain, and repair turfgrass equipment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily turfgrass research operations at the Paint Branch facility.
• Conduct fieldwork: tilling, planting, fertilizing, spraying, mowing.
• Operate farm tractors, skid steer, sprayers, mowers, and irrigation equipment.
• Maintain equipment, grounds, and facilities.
• Assist researchers with field research protocols in the lab.
• Assist instructors with field lab portions of classes.
• Provide facility tours and communicate with the public.

Skills

Field research experience

Equipment operation

Mathematics proficiency

Communication skills

Laboratory methods

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Science

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Position Summary

Assists Facility Manager in the daily operations of turfgrass research at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center-Paint Branch Turfgrass Facility. Carries out fieldwork including tilling, planting, fertilizing, spraying, and mowing turfgrass plots. Operates equipment including farm tractors, skid steer, sprayers, mowers, and other turf management equipment. Operates, calibrates, and maintains the irrigation equipment. Carries out routine maintenance of equipment, grounds, and facilities. Assists researchers in the implementation of research protocols. Provides assistance to instructors with the lab portions of their classes in the field. Communicates with the general public and gives tours of the facility and its research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, or related field
• Experience managing turfgrass (golf course, sports turf, residential lawn, etc.)
• Experience conducting field research
• Ability to use, maintain, and repair turfgrass equipment

Physical Demands

• Heavy lifting.
• Extreme weather conditions.
• Hazardous materials (pesticides and fertilizers).
• Working environment may have allergens: dust, mold, grasses, etc.
• Must wear and work in personal protective equipment.

Licenses/ Certifications

• Maryland Class C non-commercial driver’s license.
• Maryland Public Agency Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate or obtain within 18 months of employment.

Minimum Qualifications – Education

High School Diploma or GED

Minimum Qualifications – Experience

Three years on agricultural research utilizing scientific methods.

Other – Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of farming practices and equipment usage. Thorough knowledge of and ability to use scientific methods and related laboratory equipment in agricultural research. Thorough knowledge of mathematics including algebra, area, volume, weights, measures, and proportions and ability to perform mathematical calculations. Thorough knowledge and skill in the use of farm equipment. Ability to provide guidance and training to agricultural technicians and workers; to use computers; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to lift and transport agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment, to climb, and to perform extensive standing and walking; to work in extreme weather conditions; to wear and work in personal protective equipment.

Other – Substitution Policy

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

Conditions of Employment

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), non-commercial Class B or equivalent driver's license valid in the State of Maryland may be required. If required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License, employees will be subjected to drug and alcohol education and testing as required under Federal Highway Administration and the State of Maryland regulations. Certification by the Maryland Department of Agriculture as a pesticide applicator may be required. Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job. Additional Job Details Posting Close Date: October 27, 2026 Open Until Filled: No

Salary Range

$48,138.00 - $57,766.00

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Nonexempt benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources

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About the University

The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,700 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and 388,000 alumni all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., we discover and share new knowledge every day through our renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts and athletics. And we are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “Do Good” campus.