Program Specialist - Horticulture

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA     Full Time
JOB GOAL:

To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions. 
 
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY: 
Under limited supervision, the Horticulture Program Specialist provides turf laboratory management and maintenance along with instructional support to the Horticulture and Natural Resources Programs. This position will support programs student learning community through mentorship, coaching, recruitment in addition to classroom/laboratory instruction. This position will work closely with industry and Kirkwood’s Facilities Division.  

The typical work schedule for this position will be Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm.
 
UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES: 

  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions. 
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment. 
  • Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success. 
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence. 

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Supervision, management, and maintenance of academic turf laboratories including the Bergman Golf & Recreation Facility. 
  • Manage and maintain Horticulture departmental equipment and tools as it relates to program and maintenance needs.
  • Manage and maintain Horticulture departmental shop and storage spaces at it relates to program and maintenance needs.
  • Member of Facilities and Public Safety Snow Removal Operations Team. 
  • Turf grass industry networking including conference, workshops and internship programming.
  • Assist with laboratory coordination and program recruitment.
  • Coordinate and assist with program student travel.
  • Co-coach competitive turfgrass program teams. 
  • Act as Co-Turf club advisor.
  • Liaison between Academics and Facilities on shared turf laboratories & equipment.
  • Attend regular meetings between Academic and Facilities Departments.
  • Teach introductory Horticulture and Parks and Natural Resources credit courses up to 6 credits per semester.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 
PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
  • Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.  
  • Ability to work in a cross-functional team-based environment and collaborate with others in setting goals and problem solving.
  • Establish and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, staff, administrators, and the general public.
  • Assume responsibility; deal effectively with problems and exercise independent judgment when making decisions.
  • Plan, organize and implement initiatives through collaboration, initiative, and self-direction.
  • Demonstrate independent judgment, initiative, organizational and problem-solving skills for the successful operation of programs and services.
  • Must be able to work effectively in an environment where interruptions of work in progress occur frequently, where work on multiple projects is common, and where timelines on project completion are tight.
  • Operate equipment using appropriate safety precautions.
  • Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions in the job involved.
  • Manage a classroom setting in a way or manner that is acceptable and consistent with department and College objectives, guidelines, policies and practices.
  • Possess the ability to organize and present various concepts to a wide range of students with varying backgrounds and abilities, and adjust teaching techniques accordingly.
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

The position involves both office and physical tasks, requiring light to medium work. It may involve exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally (10-33%), up to 20 pounds frequently (34-66%), and up to 10 pounds constantly (67-100%) to move objects. The role requires constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking, hearing, and performing routine stooping, bending, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching, viewing a computer, and other close visual work are involved, with occasional (10-33%) crawling, kneeling, standing, pushing, pulling, and grasping.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 2 year degree in Horticulture related discipline with a minimum of 5 years of related experience.
  • Ability to obtain Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicators license within 60 day of employment 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
  • 4 year degree in Turfgrass or Horticulture related discipline with 3-5 year of related experience.
  • Teaching experience in Higher Education 
  • Work experience in Golf Course, Athletic Field Maintenance industries 
  • CDL, Commercial Driver’s License 

EEO AA/STATEMENT:

It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572, equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, Telephone: (312) 730-1560 Facsimile: (312) 730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.
 
 WHY KIRKWOOD:
 Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.
 
 Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.