Ohio State Student Farm Production Coordinator

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 22,937 - 29,990; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefit package

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Ohio State University is seeking a full-time Student Farm Production Coordinator in Columbus, Ohio. The ideal candidate will manage crop production and lead undergraduate students and volunteers on a 4-acre farm.

Candidates should have strong leadership and communication skills, as well as a passion for sustainable agriculture. This role also requires the ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and work schedules throughout the year.

Salary range is $16.65 – $21.77 per hour based on experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in farming.
• Preferred: BS in horticulture or related fields.
• Valid OH driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Manage crop production using various methods.
• Lead seasonal workers and students.
• Maintain and repair agricultural equipment.

Skills

Team leadership

Interpersonal relations

Problem-solving

Communication

Detail orientation

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma/GED

BS in horticulture or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Qualtrics

Tractor

Hand tools

Job description

Job Title: Ohio State Student Farm Production Coordinator

Department: FAES | Horticulture and Crop Science

The Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at The Ohio State University is seeking applications for the position of Student Farm Production Coordinator 3. This is a full-time, year-round position. The Production Manager is the primary farmer responsible for growing vegetables, fruits, and flowers using a combination of row-crop, plasticulture and intensive bed production methods on 4 acres including high tunnel, open field, and greenhouse. This position will be assisted by seasonal volunteers and part-time co-workers, primarily OSU undergraduate students interested in being involved with the Student Farm.

Responsibilities

• Seed, transplant, and cultivate row crops using tractors, hand-tools, and implements.
• Lead and manage seasonal volunteers and part-time co-workers.
• Maintain timely tillage seedbed preparation with the help of Waterman Farm Operation.
• Manage plant disease, pests, and irrigation through scouting, drip irrigation system, overhead traveler irrigation system, row cover, and successive planting.
• Scout fields and collaborate with the sales operation regarding crop scheduling, anticipated harvest dates, and yields.
• Safely operate tractors, trucks, and various implements; supported with training.
• Learn and follow routine equipment maintenance procedures, along with minor repair, report damage and repair needs.

Tunnels, Intensive Beds and Greenhouses

• Plan, coordinate and oversee crop production in intensive beds, low tunnels, and high tunnels using walk-behind tractor and implements, hand tools.
• Greenhouse production of transplants including germination chambers.
• Maintain the high tunnels by making necessary repairs as needed, coordinating venting and helping to remove snow as needed.

Administrative

• Use of Excel/Google Sheets/Qualtrics for planning, mapping, and distributing information.
• Order seeds and document purchases.
• Maintain and oversee maintenance of accurate records.
• Keep current with the latest production and harvest practices for a wide range of vegetables.
• Maintain compliance with food safety standards in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
• Coordinate on class activities/practicum sessions that can take place or engage with the student farm, including HCS 2307 Sustainable Agriculture Practical Experience (Fall) and HCS 2306 Sustainable Vegetable Production Practicum (Spring).
• Engage with potential donors interested in supporting the student farm.
• Lead monthly newsletter publication on updates about the farm and summary of relevant information for small‑scale and vegetable farmers.
• Support writing materials (grant application, extension article, peer review publications) related to the efforts of the student farm.
• Be motivated to adapt to changing roles as this position develops over seasons.

Supervising/Mentoring

• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students conducting activities at the farm.
• Supervise seasonal volunteers and part-time co-workers.

Required Attributes

• Positive attitude and desire to meet high expectations.
• Dependable, reliable, consistent, and on time, ready to work.
• Self‑starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Team leader: motivate, inspire, and get results.
• Committed to improving management skills and leadership mindset.
• Skillful with interpersonal relations.
• Active problem‑solver.
• Planful, with flexibility to respond to changing circumstances and expectations.
• Polite, empathic, and professional attitude and manner.
• Active listener and excellent communicator.
• Detail oriented.
• Organized.
• Committed to a quality product.

Qualifications

• The minimum qualification for this position is a high school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Preferred qualifications include an earned BS in horticulture or plant science, agronomy or soil science, sustainable agriculture, agroecology, or a discipline applicable to the duties and responsibilities outlined above.
• Technological skills: capable of using computer/tablet/smartphone with Google, Qualtrics, and Microsoft Office applications for real‑time updates in the field.
• Driver’s license valid in OH.
• Experience using tractors, implements, walk‑behind tractors, and hand tools.
• Communicate in English.

Foundational Farming Context

• This position requires some flexibility, with a willingness to adjust schedules around weather to get each week’s jobs completed.
• In turn, this position offers some flexibility in work days and start/stop times relative to the seasons and needs of the crops.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions including precipitation, heat, humidity and cold.

Compensation and Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefit Package.
• Salary range $16.65 – $21.77 hourly commensurate with experience, education and internal equity.
• Professional development (conference attendance, graduate student symposium, plant science symposium).
• Gain experience working in the commercial production and sales of food products.

Location: Waterman - Laboratory Headquarters (0179)

Position Type: Term (Fixed Term)

Scheduled Hours: 40; Shift: Varying Shifts

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post‑offer process.

The university is an equal‑opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.