Manager, Farm

Farm Manager

The School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (SANS) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) invites applications for the position of Farm Manager at its Agricultural Experimental Station Farms. This position is responsible for the daily operations, strategic planning, and long-term stewardship of university-owned research, extension, and teaching farms and facilities. The Farm Manager is responsible for assisting faculty (researchers and professors) in the day-to-day operation and management of field trials, servicing specialized agricultural research equipment, and other field work (tilling, planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvesting, haying, etc.). The Farm Manager supports faculty, students, and staff in executing research, education, and outreach activities aligned with the land-grant mission. UMES is the 1890 Land Grant University in Maryland.

Benefits: UMES offers exciting opportunities for professional growth. Generous benefits include health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, flexible spending accounts), Retirement (State or Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA), Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance), Tuition Remission, Employee Assistance Program, paid holidays, paid leave (Exempt positions start at 22 days annual, non-exempt positions start at 11 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year). Overtime, shift-differential and on-call pay (non-exempt positions only).

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all field operations, including planting, crop management, irrigation, harvesting, and pest/disease control, in alignment with research protocols and sustainable farming practices.
• Supervise and coordinate the farm crew's daily activities, including scheduling, training, and fostering a collaborative team environment. Ensure student workers and temporary employees adhere to safety and research standards through hands-on instruction.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities, equipment maintenance, pesticide use, and regulatory compliance related to safety, environmental, and nutrient management standards.
• Collaborate with faculty and researchers to support the implementation of crop, soil, and livestock research projects, ensuring adherence to experimental protocols.
• Ensure the maintenance and safe operation of all farm infrastructure and equipment. Manage procurement and inventory of farm inputs (e.g., seed, fertilizer, chemicals, parts). Assist with budgeting, cost control, and operational reporting.
• Serve as a liaison with university administration, Extension personnel, and external stakeholders. Provide logistical support for teaching activities, outreach events, and field days to promote the farm as a learning and research environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, horticulture, animal science, agricultural science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing operational, commercial, or research-focused farm systems, with demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Proficient knowledge of crop and/or livestock production systems, agricultural best practices, and research plot design.
• Demonstrated ability to operate, maintain, and calibrate small and large-scale agricultural equipment, including GPS-guided machinery, sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, planters, and harvesters.
• Basic mechanical, carpentry, and electrical skills relevant to farm infrastructure and machinery upkeep.
• Working knowledge of EPA regulations related to biotech crops and the ability to interpret and follow compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with nutrient management regulations and conservation practices.
• Valid driver's license; pesticide applicator license, or willingness to obtain one.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders in a land-grant university setting.
• Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Office and farm management software.

Physical Demands:

• This position involves outdoor work in varying weather (Cold and hot) conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and perform physical labor as needed.
• Some evening or weekend hours may be required, especially during peak seasons.

Preferences:

• Experience managing or working on a research farm or agricultural experiment station.
• Understanding of the 1890 land-grant university system and its tripartite mission of Research, Teaching, and Extension.
• Familiarity with precision agriculture technologies and digital data collection systems.
• Ability to obtain a Maryland Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within one year of employment.
• Ability to obtain a Maryland Public Agency Applicator's Certification within one year of employment.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000

EEO Statement: UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

Diversity Statement: The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation.

Title IX Statement: It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University's educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.