Assistant Farm Manager

Title: Assistant Farm Manager

Department: College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems

Reports To: Farm Manager

Classification: Staff-12 months (Full‑time, Exempt)

Effective Date: TBD

Standard

Work Hours:

37.5 hours per week

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.

• Assist in the supervision of two or more employees, or their equivalent, on a regular basis.
• Assist in decisions regarding hiring, evaluation, promotion, and termination of employees, or make 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.
• Inspect buildings, greenhouses, machinery, and equipment; evaluate repairs and maintenance needed; assign duties to supervising staff.
• Coordinate with project leaders to determine their research needs; determine feasibility and, if applicable, assign plot of land and allocate staff resources.
• Assist in developing budgets for the upcoming year, estimating costs for operations, travel, wages, and capital equipment.
• Interpret and enforce rules and regulations for the farm operation; meet with farm personnel to provide information concerning rules and regulations.
• Monitor the maintenance or maintain records of farm activities such as crop summaries, crop prices, weather conditions, watering of plants and animals, feeding and care of livestock, personnel information, and farm expenses.
• Purchase and authorize the purchase of supplies such as herbicides, pesticides, livestock feed, fertilizers, research and extension supplies.
• Market commodities produced on the farm through approved channels.
• Perform miscellaneous job‑related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of experimental farming, including procedures and controls.
• Knowledge of plant and animal production.
• Knowledge of 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 communicate effectively.

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

Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Animal Sciences, Biology, or a 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.

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

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

None requested.

• 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. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

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. The job functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.