Agroforestry Technician

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Wilberforce (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking an Agroforestry Technician for a 3-year, grant-funded role at Central State University in Wilberforce, OH. This position involves supporting a research agroforestry farm, requiring in-person presence Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., with responsibilities including site design, maintenance, and data collection.

Applicants should have an Associate's Degree in Agriculture or related fields, with skills in communication and organization. The position is budgeted with a salary commensurate to experience.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Agroforestry, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Assist with agroforestry site design and project planning.
• Develop and maintain systems for research and demonstration plot management.
• Daily maintenance of research site including pest management.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Organizational and record-keeping skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Education

Associate's Degree in Agriculture or related field

Tools

Desktop publishing software

Word processing software

Data processing software

Job description

Job Summary

The Agroforestry Technician is a 3‑year, grant‑funded role to assist with a NIFA 1890 Capacity‑Building Grant project to design, install, and maintain a research and demonstration agroforestry farm on Central State University’s campus in Wilberforce, OH. The technician will work closely with Extension and Research professionals to develop, implement, and maintain a healthy agroforestry ecosystem. Due to the nature of the tasks, this position requires in‑person presence and will report to work Monday‑Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Central State University main campus in Wilberforce, Ohio. Remote options are not available for this role. Continuation of this position is expected to 10/31/2028; however, it is contingent on the annual review and renewal of federal funding.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with agroforestry site design and project planning.
• Develop, implement, and maintain necessary systems for research and demonstration plot management, including irrigation and trellising.
• Assist with design and installation of pest‑exclusion methods.
• Work with agroforestry installation contractor to install plantings and plant protection hardware (tree tubes, electric fencing, etc.).
• Daily maintenance of the research and demonstration site, and other on‑campus agroforestry plantings, including, but not limited to, mowing, tree pruning, pest management, removing undesirable trees, and similar tasks.
• Harvest crops as they become available.
• Work with CSU staff, faculty and students to collect and interpret data, assisting with the production of research and Extension publications related to agroforestry.
• Help project leaders organize and host field days onsite.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Agroforestry, or a related field; OR equivalent work experience in tree crop agricultural systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Well‑developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and record‑keeping skills.
• Ability to successfully work with people at all organizational levels and diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to plan and maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend work to meet time demands and/or special needs of program management.
• Ability to repeatedly lift 50 pounds.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Proficient in the use of desktop publishing, word processing, and data processing software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Agroforestry, or a related field.
• At least 1 year of experience working in a research setting.
• At least 2 years of work experience on a working orchard, tree farm, nursery, or similar tree‑focused agricultural operation.

Position Category

Staff - Monthly (Exempt)

Budgeted Annual Salary

Commensurate with experience

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Unofficial Transcripts

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review. Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources. Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.