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Agronomic Farm Operations Manager

Employer
University of Minnesota
Location
Crookston, Minnesota
Salary
Salary commiserates with experience, +University of MN Benefits

View more

Industry
Agriculture
Role
Manager
Job Type
Long-Term
Hours
Full Time

Position Title:  Agronomic Farm Operations Manager

Available:         Immediately

To apply for this position, please logon to http://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs and click on “Search and Apply for Job Posting.”  Follow the on-line steps to login as a new user or as a return user.  Once logged in, search for job number: 324277 and apply for the position.  

General Overview: 

The Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) in Crookston is one of 10 University of Minnesota Research and Outreach Centers throughout Minnesota.  The specific mission of NWROC is to conduct applied agronomic research on issues important to NW Minnesota agriculture and extend results of that research through outreach/extension programs.  A talented staff at NWROC provide support for that mission in operational areas of office, HR, finance, research technical core, and farm and maintenance.  The announced position provides leadership and oversight of the farm and maintenance operations. 

Position Overview:

This is a leadership and supervisory position with primary responsibilities of managing NWROC’s commercial agronomic production operations.  The position develops land and crop management plans based on Best Management Practices (BMPs) then implements those plans through collaboration, direction and oversight of Farm Equipment Operators. Secondary responsibilities will develop in future years to include general oversight of NWROC facility maintenance through collaboration with NWROC facility maintenance personnel. Supervisor responsibilities include providing direction as needed and conducting annual performance evaluations of Teamster Bargaining Unit employees and others as necessary in consultation with the Director of Operations.  Leadership responsibilities include building a functional and collaborative team with the farm and maintenance personnel and collaborating with other NWROC research and operation personnel.  This Civil Service position reports directly to the NWROC Director of Operations. 

Specific Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

60%     Coordinate and Supervise Agronomic Farm Operations at NWROC: Implement sound modern crop production practices using research based BMPs.  Develop crop rotation and land management plans that include crop rotation, variety selection, fertilizer and pesticide management, tillage operations, and land drainage.  This responsibility includes purchasing of inputs, developing and coordinating vendor contracts, maintaining detailed land management and crop production records, and inventory records of inputs and stored grain.  Includes monitoring crop progress and health through field scouting and determining BMPs to optimize and maintain production potential, monitor stored grain quality, and transporting grain to market.

10%     Equipment and Field Maintenance:  Monitor, provide oversight of, and supervise maintenance schedules and repair of NWROC farm equipment.  Track age, use, and condition of equipment and make decisions/recommendations for upgrades, repairs, and replacement.  Monitor and develop strategies that maintain adequate field drainage patterns and road and edge of field aesthetics.

10%     NWROC Facility Maintenance (will develop in two or more years):  Provide oversight and collaboration with NWROC maintenance personnel to optimize NWROC facilities pleasing visual aesthetics and full functionality for NWROC activities and operations.  (Note:  NWROC facilities are not UMC facilities) Develop and maintain communication and collaborations, where appropriate, with UMC facilities management and personnel for the same.

20%     Other Responsibilities: Monitor grain markets and market grain inventories in consultation with the Director of Operations.  Monitor vendor special offers to take advantage of early purchase discounts and availability in consultation with the Director of Operations.  Maintains compliance with, and advises Director of Operations, on local, state, and federal regulations that pertain to safety and crop and land management. Maintain compliance with USDA-FSA certification, multi-periled crop insurance, and state, and federal agencies.  Provides data, advice, and recommendations to Director of Operations for business decisions pertaining to the farm and maintenance operations.

 

Required Qualifications:

  1. BS degree in Agronomy, Farm Management or related field plus at least 5 years of experience in modern agronomic farm management and techniques; OR a combination of related education and work experience to equal nine years in the same area.
  2. Agronomy Production Experience that includes University developed BMPs, field scouting for crop health and emerging problems, and grain storage management to maintain grain quality and quantity.
  3. Marketing/Purchase/Sales Experience in or willingness to learn grain marketing strategies sufficient to adequately market grain, research and communicate with implement and input salespersons to purchase equipment, repair equipment, and purchase crop production inputs.
  4. Supervisory Experience with a successful record of managing employees in a collaborative team atmosphere. 
  5. Knowledge and experience in the use of Microsoft Office software; Word and Excel.
  6. Must have good communication skills.
  7. Currently hold or have the ability to obtain a Pesticides Applicators License and the CDL driver’s license with 3 to 6 months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Knowledge and experience with electronic or digital record keeping and reporting techniques
  2. Sharp eye for detail and precision.
  3. Evidence of working in working in a team environment.

Please contact Maureen Aubol for inquiries:  aubo0002@umn.edu or 218.281.8602

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