Farm Operations Technical Manager

Farm Operations Technical Manager

Job No: 540317

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Hillsborough

Categories: Facilities Operations/Skilled Trades, Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture Operations, Environmental/Occupational Safety

Department:  - AG-GCREC - BALM

Consults with research and extension personnel in planning, developing, and implementing field research programs at GCREC, including the incorporation and evaluation of developed robotics and artificial intelligence systems, giving faculty feedback on their use and performance.

Uses work‑order and UFarm system, prepares farm operations reports, and helps develop and manage a farm budget. Implements and maintains electronic farm records, pesticide usage, farm supplies, purchases, and annual inventory evaluation. Operates GPS, computer systems, and newly acquired farm technologies related to robotics and AI in agriculture.

Employee independently supervises agricultural assistants and OPS personnel on the farm crew in fumigating, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, irrigating, applying pesticides and other treatments, maintaining crop systems, and harvesting a variety of experimental agricultural crops in accordance with established experiment protocols. Provides training to other employees in operation of all farm and safety equipment, including robotics and AI systems.

Plans work objectives and workloads for GCREC farm crew members and evaluates employees through established evaluation criteria, meeting regularly to ensure pre‑established criteria are met.

Oversees and manages assigned farm equipment and facilities; works with maintenance and facility personnel to maintain facilities, tractors, vehicles, and all specialized and robotic equipment under direct control in good working order.

Ensures farm operations and personnel comply with pertinent regulatory and worker safety requirements, maintains safety & training records.

Interacts with vendors for equipment repairs and leads development and implementation of required contracts/agreements. Prepares and submits records required by EPA, USDA, and SWFWMD. Responds to emergencies such as crop freeze protection, pump failures, and power outages at all potential hours. Assists with GCREC activities, events, and upkeep. Reports regularly to the Associate Center Director. Supervised TEAMS and OPS employed on the farm crew.

Must acquire and maintain restricted use pesticide applicator licenses. Assists in coordination and implementation of field days, farm demonstrations and visiting groups; coordinates farm‑related activities with outside vendors.

$60,000–$75,000, commensurate with education and experience.

• High school diploma or equivalent and five years of relevant experience managing an agricultural operation and supervising staff.
• Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required number of years of experience.
• Must acquire and maintain appropriate restricted use pesticide applicator licenses for herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, fumigants and other pesticides.

• B.S. or M.S. in Horticulture, Agronomy, Ag Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships, understand and follow written experimental protocols, communicate and delegate effectively, determine work priorities and ensure completion of assignments.
• Training and experience in managing modern farming operations and use of modern farm equipment, information management systems, and relevant computer software.
• Experience with novel technologies, crops, or production practices.

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.