Commercial/Consumer Horticulture Specialist

Auburn University; Columbiana (AL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University is seeking a Commercial/Consumer Horticulture Specialist to support Alabama's greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture industries by delivering training on workplace safety, plant health, equipment use, landscape installation and maintenance, and integrated pest management.

The Specialist will collaborate with industry groups, regulatory agencies, and Extension colleagues to develop Alabama-specific content, conduct trainings, support applied research and demonstrations,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in horticulture required.
• At least three years in the green industry.
• Ability to obtain Pesticide Applicator License.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Experience developing training materials and delivering programs.
• Familiarity with EPA and Alabama pesticide regulations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver training on workplace safety, plant health, equipment use, landscape installation and maintenance, and integrated pest management.
• Collaborate with industry associations, regulatory agencies, and Extension colleagues to develop educational content and trainings.
• Support applied research and demonstration projects; contribute to Extension peer‑reviewed publications; report outcomes to stakeholders.

Job description

Overview

To be considered for this position, candidates must submit the following materials by Monday, October 5, 2026:

Special Instructions

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing academic and professional history.
• Cover letter outlining interest in the position and relevant experience.

Combine into one document and upload your cover letter and CV under the “Resume Upload” section (maximum file size: 5 MB).

Only candidates who have uploaded all the required documents will be considered. Additional materials may be requested at a later stage in the selection process.

Responsibilities

In 2022 the economic contribution of Alabama’s greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture produces exceeded $510 million. This Commercial/Consumer Horticulture Specialist position would serve this important Alabama industry providing training opportunities for professionals including technicians and project managers on topics such as workplace safety, plant health, equipment use, landscape installation and maintenance, integrated pest management, and workplace leadership. The person in this role will also collaborate with industry associations, regulatory agencies, and Extension colleagues to develop educational content, conduct trainings, and support applied research and demonstration projects. The Specialist will be housed in the Shelby County office located in the central area of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System but will have statewide responsibilities. The Specialist will be an actively participating member of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Teams and will develop his/her expertise to compliment the teams’ activities as well as provide educational leadership to deliver research-based information around commercial and consumer horticulture throughout the state. The Specialist will participate in regional/state grower associations and other stakeholder groups representing commercial and consumer horticulture and develop a strong relationship as an educational leader among these entities. The Specialist will, working in conjunction with other ACES team members, develop Alabama-specific content including workplace safety, plant health, equipment use, landscape installation and maintenance, workplace leadership, integrated pest management guides, and workforce development for those in the Alabama Green Industry. The Specialist will utilize traditional and digital technologies in their educational efforts such as newsletters, news articles, timely information sheets, workshops, group meetings, videos, demonstrations, and site visits. The Specialist will participate in the grant writing process and participate in activities that support applied research/demonstrations beneficial to clientele in Alabama. The Specialist will contribute to Extension peer-reviewed publications, trade journals, and popular press articles. They may also contribute to applied research which may be presented at national and regional meetings and published in scientific and professional journals. Grant work and writing may be required to obtain additional funding. It is also an expectation that the Specialist will participate in professional development opportunities offered within the System and through professional associations to enhance themselves both professionally and personally within ACES. The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong interest in the technology transfer and transformational education missions of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Candidate must have the ability to work with and deliver programming to audiences from a variety of educational, racial and sociocultural backgrounds. Candidate should understand extension work and be highly motivated to report major outcomes to extension administrators.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A horticulture master's degree at the time of employment.
• Candidates must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time of appointment and continue working legally for the term of employment.
• At least three years of professional experience in the green industry
• Demonstrated experience in pesticide safety education and regulatory training
• Ability to obtain Pesticide Applicator License
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing training materials and delivering educational programs
• Familiarity with EPA and Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries pesticide regulations
• Experience working with industry professionals
• PhD desired

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

Candidates must demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills, possess the ability to work cooperatively with individuals and groups, and be willing to utilize various forms of educational program delivery to a diverse clientele. This position requires regular travel to carry out Extension responsibilities, and the successful incumbent must have access to reliable transportation.

Contract Type

Continuing

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.

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 the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.