Job Information
Iowa State University Horticulture Research Farm Manager in Ames, Iowa
Position Title:Horticulture Research Farm Manager
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience
Special Required QualificationsDrivers License
Preferred Qualifications:Master's Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field.
Experience related to field horticultural research.
Experience managing field research facilities, such as landscapes, high tunnels, greenhouses, and irrigation systems.
Experience maintaining and managing agricultural equipment.
Experience operating farm and research equipment such as tractors, sprayers, tillers, cultivators
Knowledge of electronic and precision agriculture technology application in agriculture.
Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License.
Supervisory experience.
Job Description:
Iowa State University seeks an experienced Horticulture Research Farm Manager to serve as Superintendent and oversee and coordinate operations at the ISU Horticulture Research Station and Hinds Memorial Research Farm, the primary horticultural field research facilities in Ames, Iowa. This superintendent will manage a team of 4 to 6 full-time ISU employees and several part-time student workers, while also overseeing a $300,000 budget and supporting 50-60 field research projects led by around 40 project leaders. Each year, the superintendent will host multiple field days and welcome approximately 1,500-2,000 visitors.
The successful candidate must work effectively with researchers and supervise their field projects. They should demonstrate strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, with the capability to present research findings through reports, extension publications, and news articles. Proficiency in computer and technology use for record keeping, data collection and analysis, and outreach activities is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
In this role, you’ll have the exciting opportunity to be at the cutting edge of horticulture, experimenting with new crop varieties, innovative technologies, and advanced sensors. With a blend of hands-on work and creative problem-solving, you’ll test novel, unproven methods that could help shape the future of sustainable agriculture. As a public-facing leader, you’ll host field days, public tours, and visits from the media and international guests. You’ll manage diverse responsibilities, balancing limited resources, budgets, and land allocation, which will draw on your horticulture expertise, exceptional management skills, and effective communication abilities. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys being highly visible within the community and making a meaningful impact through outreach, research, and sustainable agricultural innovation!
The ISU Horticulture Research Station, located just north of Ames, supports research in horticulture and sustainable agriculture across 230 acres of land. It provides an environment for developing innovative agricultural practices and teaching students and the public about horticultural science, with facilities for field trials, demonstration gardens, and a range of sustainable farming practices.
The candidate will be hired as a Manager Agriculture.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
Level Guidelines• Aware of key annual objectives of department or work unit• Understands linkage between daily activities and achievement of annual objectives of department/work unit and explains to direct reports• Focus on ISU’s mission and meeting department or work unit goals• Supervises a small department or work team• Often is a working supervisor with direct, previous experience performing work of those supervised• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel; may share part of responsibility with higher level management• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope per policy
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS808
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program
Original Posting Date: November 18, 2024
Posting Close Date:December 3, 2024
Job Requisition Number:R15908
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.