Assistant Farm Manager

TITLE: Assistant Farm Manager
DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems
REPORTS TO: Farm Manager
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD

WORK HOURS:

37.5 hours per week
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the Farm Manager, the Assistant Farm Manager plans, manages, and supervises farming and administrative operations at the Kentucky State University Research and Demonstration Farm within the College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in the supervision of two or more employees, or their equivalent, on a regular basis.
• Assists in decisions regarding hiring, evaluation, promotion and termination of employees, or makes related recommendations that are given particular weight.
• Assist in developing, planning, scheduling and monitoring work projects and farm activities such as planting, irrigating, harvesting and mixing experimental feed according to formulas.
• Inspects buildings, greenhouses, machinery and equipment and makes evaluations of repairs and maintenance needed; assigns duties to supervising staff.
• Coordinates with project leaders to determine their research needs; determines whether the request is feasible and, if so, assigns plot of land and allocates staff resources.
• Assists in developing budgets for the upcoming year, estimating cost for operations, travel, wages and capital equipment.
• Interprets and enforces rules and regulations for the farm operation; meets with farm personnel to provide information concerning rules and regulations.
• Monitors the maintenance or maintains records of the farm activities such as, crop summaries, crop prices, and weather conditions, watering of plants and animals, feeding and care of livestock, personnel information and farm expenses.
• Purchases and authorizes the purchase of supplies such as herbicides, pesticides, livestock feed, fertilizers, research and extension supplies.
• Markets commodities produced on the farm, through approved channels.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of experimental farming including procedures and controls.
• Knowledge of plant and animal production.
• Knowledge of specified local, state and federal regulations and mandates.
• Knowledge of shop skills necessary for the maintenance of farm machinery.
• Knowledge in the management of major farming operations.
• Skill in the operation of all farm machinery.
• Ability to effectively communicate.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: This position assists in supervising farm staff and participates in personnel decisions.

OTHER DUTIES: Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Sciences, Biology, or related field.
• At least 5 years of work experience in commercial agriculture or experimental farming practice (e.g., feedlot, feed mill, or other intensive livestock operation), including at least 3 years of supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in both crop and livestock operations at a university or research setting.

Equivalent Education/

Experience:

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Licensing and

Certifications:

NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work performed outdoors in varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, odors, and/or loud noises.
• Requires strenuous physical activity including heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects over 50 pounds.
• Work environment may involve exposure to hazards or physical risks; adherence to safety precautions is required.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation.