Manager, Farm Research Service

Manager, Farm Research Services

Texas A&M AgriLife Research is seeking a Manager for Farm Research Services at the Beaumont Research Center. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all field-based research operations with a primary focus on rice production systems.

The role requires close collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to advance rice research and deliver impactful outcomes to stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

• Planning, coordinating, and executing field operations supporting rice and related cropping systems research.
• Managing day-to-day farm activities including land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and harvesting.
• Overseeing water management systems critical to rice production.
• Supervising, training, and evaluating farm staff and seasonal workers.
• Implementing field research protocols to ensure accurate and timely data collection.
• Maintaining and managing farm equipment.
• Overseeing chemical handling and application in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Assisting in budget planning, procurement of supplies, and resource allocation for research projects.
• Supporting field days, demonstrations, and outreach activities with stakeholders and industry partners.
• Assisting with greenhouse research operations and related experimental activities.
• Ensuring compliance with institutional, environmental, and safety policies.
• Disposing of outdated equipment no longer working.
• Coordinating with Center Director, Project Leaders, and College Station/AgriLife for capital improvement projects.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in agricultural field operations.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Texas Pesticide Applicator License.
• Ability to obtain and maintain wastewater license.
• Knowledge of repair/maintenance of agricultural equipment.
• Knowledge of crop production practices, pest management, and soil fertility.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to work with multiple projects.
• Ability to repair and maintain agricultural equipment.
• Demonstrated experience managing farm equipment and irrigation systems.
• Experience supervising staff and working in a team-oriented research environment.
• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master's degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field.
• Experience in rice or irrigated cropping systems.
• Experience with rice research or commercial rice production systems.
• Familiarity with precision agriculture technologies, GPS-guided equipment, and data management tools.
• Experience working in a research or academic setting.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance related to agricultural research.
• Knowledge of research data collection procedures and relevant computer proficiencies (Microsoft Office, farm record databases etc.) desired.
• Experience in trailering equipment and heavy items.
• Commercial driver's license or willingness to obtain.

Other requirements include:

• Commitment to safety, and environmental stewardship.
• Primarily outdoor work in field environments under varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift or move heavy objects up to 50 lbs. and operate heavy machinery.
• Occasional extended hours during peak planting and harvest seasons.

Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate's qualifications.

Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid vacation, automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an Employee Wellness Initiative.