Manager, Farm

Agency

Department

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

We are seeking a Farm Manager for the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Uvalde. The Farm Manager provides support for field, greenhouse and high tunnel research projects and be involved in the Center farm enterprise, applying efficient crop management strategies for irrigated vegetable and row crops in conventional and organic systems.

Responsibilities: 

• OPERATIONAL
  • Coordinate and assist in crop production research projects with emphasis in Agronomy and Horticulture research conducted in conventional and organic fields under drip, center pivot, and linear irrigation systems
  • Ensure the goals and objectives of each project and the farm are achieved by applying efficient and novel integrated crop management practices that include soil cultivation; cover crops; precision seeding; transplanting; mulching; monitoring and controlling weeds and pests through IPM strategies; drip and center pivot irrigation; fertilizer application/fertigation; and harvesting, which may include the need to lift or move heavy loads up to 50 pounds along with a high level of physical activity
  • Plant, maintain and manage cover crops and crop rotations for organic and conventional fields
  • Provide effective control of weeds (mechanically, chemically) to all crops and the Center
  • Ensure the farm is always well-managed, maintained and presentable to the general clientele
  • Use field sensors, weather data, and computer technology to improve productivity and optimize overall farm performance while focusing on effective planning, database and time management
  • Provide support for data collection where needed for Principal Investigators during peak sampling periods. Maintain an accurate and timely record of all farm activities using appropriate software

• MANAGEMENT, BUDGETING, SAFETY
  • Identify and secure equipment and supplies needed for farm and crop production projects
  • Strictly adhere to Federal and State laws as well as Texas A&M AgriLife rules and regulations related to financial, pesticide applications, safety, bookkeeping and organic certification compliance.
  • Serve as a member of the safety committee to advise and implement procedures related to agricultural, laboratory and facility operation practices
  • Oversee and coordinate pesticide storage and use according to manufacturer's recommendation and follow agency safety procedures. Ensure workers use appropriate personal protective equipment, provide safety training on farm implements and pesticide applications and maintain current standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field operations
  • Maintain dyed diesel fuel levels and ensure orders for refills are placed
  • Analyze and recommend actions to the Center Director on budgets for contract that include marketing decisions regarding cash crops to grow for the farm and the analysis of enterprise profitability

• MECHANICAL, OTHER
  • Supervise supporting person(s), hire temporary employees, and coordinate farm operations for specific projects in close coordination with the Special Equipment Mechanic and Business Administrator
  • Follow protocols set by the Special Equipment Mechanic for maintenance and use of centrally assigned machinery and equipment
  • Maintain and repair tractor and field equipment as needed, making sure all equipment is always operational when needed
  • Provide learning experiences for students enrolled in Ag Sciences or performing research at the Center
  • Interact and identify opportunities by interacting with the regional farming clientele, related industry, and State organizations
  • Stay current with farming practices by attending seminars, educational events, field days, virtual and/or face-to-face trainings
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of related experience in farm management operations.
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications. Knowledge of farm operations and standard safety procedures.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to drive tractors and field implements such as plows, disks, and seeders.

Other Requirements or Other Factors: 

• Availability to work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

Location

Uvalde is a community of 16,000 people located in the Wintergarden region of southwest Texas, about an hour and a half from San Antonio. Much of the surrounding land is used for irrigated agriculture, although the Hill Country lies just to the north with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Center has about 150 acres of land for crop research/production and houses a staff of more than 50 people with active research programs in agronomy, horticulture, breeding and genetics, plant biochemistry, plant physiology, plant pathology and wildlife disease ecology.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research (http://agriliferesearch.tamu.edu) is the state’s premier research agency in agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences. A member of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M AgriLife Research collaborates with the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and many others to help fulfill the Texas A&M System’s land-grant mission of teaching, research, extension, and service.

For additional information contact Dr. Daniel I. Leskovar, Center Director by email at [email protected] or by phone at 830-988-6124. All inquiries are confidential.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit packing including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

Required Documents

Cover letter

Detailed curriculum vitae stating education, experience and qualifications

List of three references with contact information

Please note attachments can be uploaded as one document or multiple attachments can be included.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.