Hiring: Interim Farm Manager – UMass Amherst Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment

The Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment supports research and statewide outreach education in cooperation with academic departments at UMass Amherst. In addition to its program units (Mass. Agricultural Experiment Station, UMass Extension, Mass. Water Resources Research Center), the Center manages four farms for research and educational purposes, all within 14 miles of campus. They are: Crops and Animal Research and Education Center in South Deerfield, Hadley Farm Livestock and Equine Research and Education Center in Hadley, Cold Spring Orchard Research and Education Center (tree and small fruit) in Belchertown, and the Joseph Troll Turf Research Center in South Deerfield.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Support the research and public service mission of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) in the College of Natural Sciences, by managing and supporting activities pertaining to teaching, research and outreach on the four UMass Amherst research/education farms.  Oversee operations of the farms including production activities, maintenance, and fiscal management of these facilities and the hiring, management and supervision of farm employees.

This is a temporary one-year position with the possibility of renewal based on unit reorganization plans and needs assessment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES

1. Ensure effective farm operations. Oversee farms; supervise and provide overall team leadership for designated staff.  Recommend staff needs; hire, train and evaluate staff.  Assess the effectiveness and efficiency of unit operations and develop and implement policies and procedures to improve service and productivity.  Enhance cooperation and coordination between the farms.  Work collaboratively with appropriate departments and coordinate all events scheduled at the facilities.
2. Ensure effective fiscal operations of the farms. Develop a schedule for and direct maintenance of facilities and equipment.  Recommend, select an approve purchases of new equipment and supplies.  Manage units to operate efficiently and effectively within approved budgets.
3. Ensure effective research, teaching and public service operations of the four UMass Amherst research/education farms. Act as a liaison between faculty and staff to enhance research projects and Extension activities.  Work in consultation with faculty to organize, coordinate and prioritize research, outreach and teaching activities at the farm sites; participate in the review of research proposals requesting use of farm facilities.
4. Monitor and ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state and University policies. Assure compliance with all regulatory agencies.
5. Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.
6. Maintain certifications on restricted pesticides and ensure that all pesticides are used according to their directions and by certified personnel. Ensure all staff are given proper training and instructions to perform work in a safe manner.
7. Required to work some night and weekends.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biological, engineering, education or business management or related field, plus three years of farm management experience, including supervision of multiple staff is required.
2. Supervisory skills.
3. Ability to manage budgets.
4. Knowledge of safety procedures and operations for farm equipment; ability to operate and maintain farm equipment.
5. Proficient with word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.
6. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
7. Ability to maintain diverse schedule of activities at various locations on and off-campus.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Academic experience in agriculture research and Extension.
   

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

1. Driver’s license required upon hire.
2. Massachusetts private pesticide certification in one of the following: vegetable, small fruit, tree fruit, dairy-livestock required within 120 days of hire.

PROFESSIONAL STAFF SALARY ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM POSITION LEVEL 28

The annual salary range is $51,000-64,000 (commensurate with skills and experience) with full benefits.  Normal starting salary range $51,000-$57,500.

For more information see:  http://www.umass.edu/humres/sites/default/files/2015%20PSU%20Salary%20Schedule.pdf

The University of Massachusetts is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, the University of Massachusetts is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of the University of Massachusetts to comply with the applicable federal and state statues, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Applicants should apply by the priority deadline of February 1, 2017 in order to ensure consideration.  Search will remain open until position is filled.  To apply provide a letter of application, resume and contact information for three professional references. Please apply at: http://umass.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=80292

On-Campus applicants are defined as Amherst Campus non-student employees