Horticulture Research Farm Manager

Position Title:

Horticulture Research Farm Manager

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Special Required Qualifications

Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field.

Experience related to field horticultural research.

Experience managing field research facilities, such as landscapes, high tunnels, greenhouses, and irrigation systems.

Experience maintaining and managing agricultural equipment.

Experience operating farm and research equipment such as tractors, sprayers, tillers, cultivators

Knowledge of electronic and precision agriculture technology application in agriculture.

Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License.

Supervisory experience.

Job Description:

Iowa State University seeks an experienced Horticulture Research Farm Manager to serve as Superintendent and oversee and coordinate operations at the ISU Horticulture Research Station and Hinds Memorial Research Farm, the primary horticultural field research facilities in Ames, Iowa. This superintendent will manage a team of 4 to 6 full-time ISU employees and several part-time student workers, while also overseeing a $300,000 budget and supporting 50-60 field research projects led by around 40 project leaders. Each year, the superintendent will host multiple field days and welcome approximately 1,500-2,000 visitors.

The successful candidate must work effectively with researchers and supervise their field projects. They should demonstrate strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, with the capability to present research findings through reports, extension publications, and news articles. Proficiency in computer and technology use for record keeping, data collection and analysis, and outreach activities is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.

In this role, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to be at the cutting edge of horticulture, experimenting with new crop varieties, innovative technologies, and advanced sensors. With a blend of hands-on work and creative problem-solving, you’ll test novel, unproven methods that could help shape the future of sustainable agriculture. As a public-facing leader, you’ll host field days, public tours, and visits from the media and international guests. You’ll manage diverse responsibilities, balancing limited resources, budgets, and land allocation, which will draw on your horticulture expertise, exceptional management skills, and effective communication abilities. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys being highly visible within the community and making a meaningful impact through outreach, research, and sustainable agricultural innovation!

The ISU Horticulture Research Station, located just north of Ames, supports research in horticulture and sustainable agriculture across 230 acres of land. It provides an environment for developing innovative agricultural practices and teaching students and the public about horticultural science, with facilities for field trials, demonstration gardens, and a range of sustainable farming practices.

The candidate will be hired as a Manager Agriculture.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. 

Level Guidelines

• Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit
• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports
• Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals
• Supervises a small department or work team
• Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS808

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae

2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

November 18, 2024

Posting Close Date:

December 3, 2024

Job Requisition Number:

R15908

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