Classification Title:
Farm Supervisor
Job Description:
Agronomy Forage Research Unit Duties:
- Management of Annual Ryegrass Breeding Program: These essential functions fall under the supervision of Dr. Rios. The position requires skills in field preparation, planting, maintenance (fertility, irrigation, pesticide application, and mowing), data collection, harvesting of seed, and seed cleaning. The position is expected to keep detailed notes of observations, accurate record keeping of annual ryegrass populations, and have proper sampling/processing techniques to assist Dr. Rios’ breeding program. Considerable field work is required to thin populations and remove undesirable plants. Knowledge of and an ability to recognize symptoms of disease and different flowering attributes of annual ryegrass is required. The position will supervise and work with graduate students and OPS employees to accomplish these functions.
- Upkeep of Turfgrass Breeding Fields: These essential functions fall under the supervision of Dr. Kenworthy. The position requires skills in field preparation, planting, maintenance (fertility, irrigation, pesticide application, and mowing), data collection, harvesting of seed, and seed cleaning. The position is expected to keep detailed notes of observations to assist Dr. Kenworthy’s breeding program. Considerable effort is required to keep fields weed free. Knowledge of herbicides and application is essential to perform this function. The position will supervise and work with graduate students and OPS employees to accomplish these functions.
- Unit upkeep responsibilities: These essential functions fall under the supervision of Dr. Rios. The position will oversee and perform maintenance and repair of all equipment, facilities, fences, wells and buildings or coordinate with IFAS facilities or outside contractors. The position requires that the individual have skills related to the proper operation, calibration, and maintenance of vehicles and agricultural equipment such as tractors, tillage equipment, planters, and pesticide applicators. All common field areas, roadways, alleyways, and fence lines will be maintained and accessible. All field research equipment and supplies must be maintained and inventoried. The position will assist with agronomic research in areas of field preparation, planting, maintenance (fertility, irrigation, pesticide application, and mowing), and data collection. The position requires a pesticide applicators license or an ability to acquire one. The position will supervise OPS employees to accomplish these functions.
- Interact with Agronomy Faculty members that might conduct crop research at AFRU to understand general crop management requirements and coordinate management to ensure that crops are grown as specified. Duties will include field preparation and following management guidelines specified by the faculty member.
Beef Research Unit Duties:
- Upkeep of Forage Research: These essential functions fall under the supervision of Dr. Wallau. The position requires skills in field preparation, planting, maintenance (fertility, irrigation, pesticide application, and mowing), data collection, harvesting of seed, and seed cleaning. The position requires an ability to manage cattle or other livestock utilized in grazing studies, which will include but may not be limited to moving livestock between pens/fields. Knowledge of livestock behavior and grazing requirements is desirable. The position is expected to keep detailed notes of observations to assist Dr. Wallau’s forage management program. Considerable effort is required to keep fields weed free. Knowledge of herbicides and application is essential to perform this function. The position will supervise and work with graduate students and OPS employees to accomplish these functions.
- Unit upkeep responsibilities: These essential functions fall under the supervision of Dr. Wallau. The position will oversee maintenance and repair of all equipment, facilities, fences, wells and buildings or coordinate with IFAS facilities or outside contractors. The position requires that the individual have skills related to the proper operation, calibration, and maintenance of vehicles and agricultural equipment such as tractors, tillage equipment, planters, and pesticide applicators. All common field areas, roadways, alleyways, and fence lines will be maintained and accessible. All field research equipment and supplies must be maintained and inventoried. The position will assist with agronomic research in areas of field preparation, planting, maintenance (fertility, irrigation, pesticide application, and mowing), and data collection. The position requires a pesticide applicators license or an ability to acquire one. The position will supervise OPS employees to accomplish these functions. Driving a state vehicle between work locations and campus is required.
Supervision Received: Weekly meetings are in place to plan research objectives for the upcoming week and to discuss short term goals and expectations. When needed daily supervision will be provided; however, employee is expected to carry out much of the research with minimal supervision and make independent decisions.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (40 hours per week). There may be seasonal extended hours and days where longer hours are required to complete critical needs for research.
Expected Salary:
$40,000
Minimum Requirements:
High school diploma or equivalent and three years of experience working on an agricultural operation, including supervision of others. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required years of experience.
Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of agronomic practices
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to collect samples (plant, soil, etc.) and data accurately
- Keep accurate records
- Skill in crop production and turfgrass management practices
- Including land preparation, fertilization, planting, irrigation, weed/disease/insect/nematode management
- Ability to calibrate and accurately apply inputs
- Knowledge of conditions necessary for plant growth and development in the field, laboratory, growth chamber, and greenhouse
- Ability to recognize and diagnose plant stress symptoms caused by biotic and abiotic agents and the skill to apply corrective action
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Pesticide Applicator’s License or the ability to acquire one.
In order to be considered, you must upload your resume and a list of three references.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required: Yes
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