Part-time Research Manager - Agriculture

Ivy Tech Community College - Lafayette is seeking a part-time Agriculture Research Manager to manage and supervise research conducted on the college’s 60-acre student farm. This role, by direction of the Agriculture Program Chair, plans and oversees research plots, coordinates data collection and reporting, supports grant-funded projects, and works closely with the Farm Manager, faculty, students, and industry/government partners to advance applied agricultural research.

• Plan research plots and assist with farm operation activities related to research.
• Collect and oversee collection of research data; manage and report data and project outcomes.
• Report to and regularly collaborate with the Agriculture Program Chair on long-term planning and assessment of research projects.
• Identify and pursue new research initiatives, partnerships, and funding opportunities to support expansion or improvement of programs.
• Maintain accurate records of expenditures and work hours related to grants; meet regularly with appropriate Ivy Tech staff to complete required grant reporting.
• Work with industry and government partners to plan and carry out applied research activities, including grant and budget management.
• Attend conferences associated with industry and government research partners pending available funding.
• Work closely with the Farm Manager to oversee implementation of research plots.
• Communicate with Ivy Tech faculty to incorporate students into research activities.
• Provide direction to lab technicians assisting with research activities and data collection.
• Conduct all activities with appreciation and respect for diversity of people, styles, and views, and promote this as an integral part of the work.

• Coordinate with the Agriculture Program Chair and/or faculty on special projects involving the 60-acre farmland and horticulture labs, ensuring labs and equipment are properly set up for research activities.
• Coordinate with the Farm Manager on machinery use, planting, and treatment schedules (harvest, fertilizer, pesticide application) as they relate to research plots.
• Inspect research plots and report crop yield and research-related data.
• Ensure formal documentation of all research-related farm activity is maintained.

This list of duties is not exhaustive. Other duties logically associated with the position may be assigned.

The incoming employee must hold a valid Indiana driver’s license and complete the Driver Approval Form to obtain authorization from the Systems Office for operating any College-owned, leased, or rented vehicles as part of their job responsibilities.

Compensation for this position is $20.00 per hour with a maximum of 28 hours per week.

• Strong background in agronomy and precision agriculture.
• Hardworking, dependable, team-oriented, and good communication skills
• Computer literate with good knowledge of Excel
• Familiarity with row crop agricultural equipment
• Familiarity with UAVs (or willingness to learn)

• Associate’s degree or higher in a related field
• Experience managing grant-funded research projects and reporting.
• Experience supervising staff or student research assistants.
• Experience operating farm machinery and equipment.
• Qualifies as faculty in Agriculture per School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science criteria.
• FAA Part 107 License and Commercial Pesticide Application license (or willingness to attain them upon hire)

• Regular outdoor work on active farmland in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to operate farm machinery and equipment safely.
• Some travel required for conferences with industry and government partners.

Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our part-time employees. These benefits include:

Health & Wellness

• Access to a comprehensive vision care plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
• Employee Assistance Program offering no cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• A…