Senior Manager Agriculture – ISU Dairy Farm

Position Title:

Senior Manager Agriculture – ISU Dairy Farm

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of related experience

Special Required Qualifications

Drivers License

Preferred Qualifications:

MS Dairy or Animal Science

Supervisory experience

Experience in dairy farm production

Experience managing operational budgets and financial planning

Experience managing university farms emphasizing research and teaching efforts

Job Description:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is seeking an experienced individual to manage the daily operations of the ISU Dairy Farm. Home to around 400 dairy cows and 400 heifers, the farm produces and ships approximately 29,000 pounds of milk per day to Prairie Farms. It also houses the Dairy Research and Teaching Unit, providing an exceptional environment for research, teaching, and extension efforts in the dairy industry. This unit is dedicated to advancing the dairy industry through innovative research and comprehensive education programs.

As Dairy Farm Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on both the dairy industry and the mission of one of the nation’s first land-grant universities. We are looking for someone passionate about the land-grant mission, with a strong focus on teaching and outreach, who is eager to fill this role. Our research program covers a broad range of scientific areas, including reproduction, nutrition, and physiology.

If you are passionate about advancing the dairy industry, this position provides a unique platform to lead, innovate, and improve operational efficiency. You will have the authority to enhance systems, streamline processes, and reduce after-hours work. The efficiency of your team will directly impact the workload and operational hours.

In this role, you will have the chance to build and lead a team, foster a culture of excellence, and contribute meaningfully to the land-grant mission through research, teaching, and outreach. Additionally, you will be involved in a significant rebuilding project, shaping the future of the farm’s physical infrastructure. This position allows you to create a positive environment that supports both industry advancement and educational goals.

Iowa State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous retirement contributions, paid time off, and affordable health, prescription, and dental insurance.

Ames, a city known for its vibrant economy, cultural attractions, excellent schools, and extensive parks, was named one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live” by Livability in 2022. With friendly residents, beautiful parks, great shopping, and progressive schools, Ames offers an exceptional quality of life.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage daily operations of the ISU Dairy Farm and associated Dairy Research and Teaching Unit.
• Supervise a team of 8 full-time employees and up to 30 students.
• Oversee and manage farm operations, including budget management, equipment maintenance, supply procurement, facility management, and animal care.
• Collaborate with research, teaching, and extension programs to ensure their needs are met.
• Provide high-quality products and services to support various programs.

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

Level Guidelines

• Provides input into annual departmental objectives and action plans
• Accountable for achievement of key annual objectives for a department
• May provide input into institution policy within area of functional expertise
• Responsible for functional output of a department or work team
• Manages subordinate staff
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel
• May provide input to the budgeting process
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope
• May provide input into financial decisions that impact department or work area

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS809

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 • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:

October 14, 2024

Posting Close Date:

October 28, 2024

Job Requisition Number:

R15634

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