Description

Title:  Manager – Agricultural Research Stations

Reports to The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Director of Agricultural Operations

Responsibilities:

Lead management and administrative functions of CFAES North Central and Muck Crops Agricultural Research Stations (Fremont and Willard, Ohio)

• Address field research topics on vegetable and agronomic crops in collaboration with CFAES faculty, OSU Extension Educators and Field Specialists
• Serve as a member of the CFAES Operations team, working with managers for CFAES farms, field labs, and research stations
• Coordinate with other field stations regarding equipment, labor, and other CFAES assets

Management Duties (55%):

• Supervise field operations and allocate field space and services for research and extension programs
• Hire, train, and supervise support staff
• Supervise collection, summarize, and transmit research data and field operations records to PIs
• Coordinate and facilitate education programs, field days, and workshops with OSU Extension personnel
• Facilitate procurement of supplies and equipment, maintenance of facilities, equipment, and grounds
• Prepare reports on research station activity for CFAES administration
• Manage budgets and cost recovery
• Follow university policies and processes related to HR, purchasing, and environmental health and safety

Field Operations (20%):

• Direct and participate in field operations to establish experiments (plot layout, tillage, fertilization, pest control, planting, weed control, irrigation, and other cultural practices)
• Coordinate utilization of labor, equipment, and supplies across both research stations
• Direct efforts of staff to maintain facilities, grounds, and equipment

Collaboration (10%):

• Collaborate with CFAES faculty and OSU Extension professionals to advance research, OSU Extension, and education programs
• May conduct applied field research or demonstration projects of interest to local agricultural clientele that complement or align with existing projects.

Communication (15%):

• Maintain effective and professional communications internally and externally
• Facilitate interaction between CFAES, area producers, and other clientele
• Adjust schedules to meet peak workload demands
• Position could be based at either Fremont or Willard, Ohio

Other:  Required to travel and work minimum two days per week per location (Fremont and Willard, Ohio)

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in agriculture (Master's degree preferred or equivalent education/experience)
• Major: Crop Science or related field of study

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in crop science (horticulture/agronomy), plant pathology, entomology, Natural Resources, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in field research methods, agricultural operations and staff supervision. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• 5 years' experience in agricultural operations. Ability to obtain an Ohio Commercial Applicator Pesticide License within 6 months of employment. 
• Driver's license. Ability to lift 50 pounds, stoop, kneel, and perform physical tasks for extended periods.

Desired Experience:

• Working knowledge of farm machinery operation and precision agriculture technology
• Experience with vegetable crops and agronomic crops operations in a field research environment