Agronomy Supervisor - Morris, MN

Position Overview

This is a full‑time 12‑month continuing position located at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC), Morris, MN. The position supervises and coordinates the agronomic operations and reports to the WCROC Farm Manager. The WCROC is a 1,100 acre research farm with approximately 500 acres of pasture and 600 acres of crops. It hosts research programs in Dairy, Horticulture, Renewable Energy, and Swine and has national and international impact.

The dairy and swine systems require daily care 365 days a year. Cropping systems provide feed, forage, and bedding for the dairy and swine programs and serve as a research platform. A unique aspect of the farm is the in‑house production of certified organic crops and pasture to support certified organic dairy and swine research and production. Farm operations are organized as a team led by the Farm Manager and supported by the agronomy, livestock, and facility supervisor positions.

This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship and does not offer a STEM OPT program. The worksite is hybrid onsite at the WCROC in Morris, MN.

• Excellent management and communication skills to effectively supervise staff and collaborate closely with the farm operations team including the Farm Manager.
• Capability of directing certified organic and conventional cropping operations while responding quickly to changing conditions and environments.
• Knowledge and understanding of research methods to work with WCROC and other college faculty and staff to maintain and deliver high‑accuracy and impactful research results.
• Ability to account for daily and seasonal production issues while always understanding that WCROC's main product is research.
• Ensure the highest level of integrity within the compliance areas of organic certification, manure management, water quality permitting and reporting, and safety training and compliance of facilities and staff.

60% Coordinate and Supervise Agronomic Cropping Operations at WCROC:

• Supervise staff to perform cropping operations and related activities listed below.
• Implement sound certified organic and conventional crop production practices using research-based BMPs.
• Direct and coordinate conventional and certified organic crop and land management plans that include crop rotations, variety selections, fertilizer and pesticide management, manure applications, tillage operations, and land drainage.
• Oversee and direct the necessary field operations to achieve the desired feed, forage, and bedding production and research outcomes outlined per research protocols in union with the Director of Operations, the WCROC Farm Manager, and the requesting project PI.
• Procure and manage all inputs needed for crop and forage research and production which may include, but are not limited to, fertilizers, seed, crop protection products, fuels, harvest supplies, and crop insurance. This will involve purchasing inputs, developing and coordinating vendor contracts, and coordinating crop insurance and federal assistance programs.
• Maintain detailed land management and crop production records.
• Oversee the manure management program including keeping precise records, collecting and analyzing manure and soil samples, submitting reports as required to the MPCA and other regulatory entities, implementing variable rate applications, directing accurate application rates, and managing timely hauling, application, and incorporation of manure.
• Inventory records of cropping inputs, cultural practices performed, and stored grain.
• Supervise and participate in the operations of manure hauling and application; primary and secondary tillage; planting, fertilization, weed control, and crop harvesting including forages and livestock bedding.
• Oversee the implementation of precision technologies throughout the cropping enterprises.
• Monitor crop progress and health through field scouting and determine BMPs to optimize and maintain production potential while monitoring for optimal harvest windows of forages, feed grains, and bedding.
• Manage stored grain for quality and oversee procurement and…