Horticulture Program Director / Researcher

This position is located at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) in Morris, MN.
The Horticulture Director oversees the horticulture program at the WCROC by participating with supervisors in the development of the strategic direction for the program.
They also initiate and collaborate on research projects, lead day-to-day operations, manage budgets, and oversee staff.
Develop and execute vision for the Horticulture Display Garden, Children's Garden, and Interpretive Overlook.
This person provides professional research and technical support within horticulture operations as well as coordinates all research trials, oversees implementation of research protocols, and completes necessary reports.

This position assures technical effectiveness in horticultural research projects.
The person is responsible to hire, supervise, and train horticulture staff, as well as hire and direct summer students which includes providing specialized training in research, collection techniques, and operational safety.
They also organize and execute horticultural educational events, tours, and field trips including the annual Hort Night.
Coordinate horticulture advisory committee meetings and activities.
This person develops communication strategies that support the mission of the WCROC horticulture program and cultivate donor relationships for ongoing financial support.


Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

1.
Participate in the development and implementation of strategic direction for the WCROC horticulture program (25%)
a.
In consultation with leadership, initiate and collaborate on research initiatives and projects with collaborators within the UMN Department of Horticulture, Arboretum,
Horticulture Research Center, other ROC horticulture programs, and with external collaborators and industry partners.

b.
Develop and participate in grant proposals and develop research budgets
c.
Lead the on-going and annual design and development of the Horticulture Garden, Children's Garden, and Interpretive Overlook.


2.
Lead and direct day-to-day management for the WCROC horticulture program (45%)
a.
Provide professional research and technical support within horticulture operations.

b.
Coordinate research trials with industry partners, investigators, and fellow U of MN colleagues.
Write and develop reports, and other publications.

c.
Deliver presentations and publications as a technical expert.

d.
Assure technical effectiveness in horticultural research projects.

e.
Develop job descriptions, hire, supervise, and train horticulture staff in specialized research and collection techniques as well as operational safety.

f.
Design annual flower beds and lead all spring planting efforts, including plot installation.
Assign seasonal work.

g.
Lead horticulture budgeting which includes monitoring all garden foundation accounts, trialing fees, and invoicing.

h.
Respond to and resolve requests for public display garden use and constituent concerns.


3.
Develop and implement outreach activities for the WCROC Horticulture Program (20%)
a.
Manage the planning, organization, and outreach for the annual Hort Night event.

b.
Oversee horticulture program content on the WCROC website and various social media channels.

c.
Enhance the WCROC Horticulture Program's role and profile as a partner within the Morris community and surrounding regions.

d.
Coordinate WCROC Horticulture program outreach with CFANS and ROC Communications staff.


4.
Organize horticulture program stakeholder groups and external support (10%)
a.
Organize the WCROC Horticulture Advisory Committee and the activities.

b.
Work with the UMN development team to cultivate horticulture program donor relations and fund development for ongoing financial support of the program.

c.
Write and distribute annual or semi-annual appeal letters.

d.
Develop and foster industry and NGO partnerships.


 
Qualifications Required Qualifications:
MS/MA in horticulture or related field with at least 1 years of experience.

Understanding of common horticulture practices and equipment.


Preferred Qualifications:
PhD in horticulture or related field with at least 1 years of experience.

Experience in leadership and program management
Experience in grant development and management
Evidence of effective communication skills
Experience in training and supervision
About the Department The University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is located in Morris, MN.
The WCROC is part of the University of MN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences providing a tradition of excellence in applied agricultural research and education for farmers and rural communities in crop production, animal sciences, horticulture, water-quality, organic dairy, and renewable energy.

Benefits Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.
We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.


The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services 
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply Applications must be submitted online.
To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.
You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail ****** or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.
The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here.
Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC) The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research.
Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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