Ohio State Student Farm Production Coordinator

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• The minimum qualification for this position is a high school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant…