University Farm Manager

Department

Vice President for Administration and Finance

Job Posting Title

University Farm Manager

Job Description

The Division of Administration and Finance is seeking applicants for a full-time, salaried farm manager reporting to the Vice President for Administration and Finance. The successful candidate will lead all farm operations while working collaboratively with faculty from the Department of Agriculture to develop long-term goals and to use farm resources to support agriculture student learning. 

Application Process

To apply for this position, please visit https://fhsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/CAREERS OR the Jobs Hubs App in Workday if you are an internal applicant. Only electronic applications submitted through the webpage will be accepted.

Qualified candidates should submit:

• cover letter explaining how their experience and expertise makes them qualified for the position
• resume
• contact information for three professional references

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree OR substantial experience in farm operations and management
• Farm Operation Managerial Experience (including personnel)
• Knowledge of a livestock operation that includes breeding, marketing, and selling cattle
• Knowledge of crop management including planting, harvesting, and marketing
• Reside within 30 miles of the University Farm

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or a closely related discipline
• Experience supervising, leading, and mentoring full time direct-reports and/or seasonal employees
• Knowledge of a livestock operation that includes breeding, marketing, and selling small animals
• Experience collaborating with stakeholders, including university faculty and/or students
• Experience managing a farm budget
• Experience working/communicating with farm visitors, donors, and the general public

Application Deadline: Screening of applications will begin August 23, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.

Appointment Date: The start date will be determined after acceptance of an offer and successful completion of a background check.

Salary: $62,000

Benefits: Competitive benefits package http://www.fhsu.edu/humanresourceoffice/Prospective-Employees/

Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day farm operations: Oversee all aspects of daily farm activities, including crop cultivation, livestock care, and maintenance tasks.
• Lead and manage employees: Supervise all farm employees, including full-time staff and part-time student workers, ensuring proper training, assigning tasks, and maintaining a productive and safe work environment.
• Budgeting and financial management: Work with the VP for Administration and Finance to develop and oversee the farm budget, including allocating funds for equipment, supplies, and operational expenses, while ensuring financial sustainability.
• Crop and livestock management: Plan and execute planting and harvesting schedules for crops, and manage breeding, feeding, and health programs for livestock, adhering to agricultural best practices and the learning needs identified by the FHSU Department of Agriculture faculty members.
• Support agricultural applied research: Collaborate with FHSU faculty and other stakeholders to facilitate research and experiential learning projects, providing technical assistance, managing experimental plots, and collecting data as needed.
• Organize educational programs and outreach: Coordinate with the FHSU Department of Agriculture to organize workshops, field days, and other events to engage students, faculty, and the community in agricultural education and awareness.
• Implement sustainable farming practices: Integrate environmentally friendly techniques such as soil conservation, water management, and pest control to minimize the farm’s ecological footprint.
• Ensure safety and compliance: Maintain adherence to health and safety regulations, including proper equipment maintenance, pesticide handling, and worker safety protocols.
• Implement and maintain records and reporting: Keep accurate records of farm activities, including crop yields, all inventories, and financial transactions, and generate reports for stakeholders.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:

Name: Dr. Grady Dixon, Dean of College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics and Search Committee Chair

Email: pgdixon@fhsu.edu

Phone: 785-628-4536

Community of Hays

FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call “Hays, America” home.

Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.

Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.

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