1890 Land Grant Extension, Central Sate University
Wilberforce, Ohio, USA

The Director of Farm Operations is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all farm operations for the Land-Grant Programs at Central State University. This include managing the maintenance schedule of equipment, coordinating and assigning work schedules, maintaining inventory records, and marketing farm products sold. He/she is responsible for overseeing and managing the University’s 633 acres of existing land, which includes cropland, woodland, and meadow land. The position will coordinate all current and future farm operations, including livestock and farmland for the Land Grant Programs at Central State University. In addition, the Director of Farm Operations will work with faculty, researchers and extension personnel, supervise farm staff, and organize field day and farm tours.

Responsibilities:

  • Leading the University’s effort in developing a University Farm that will be the home of the Central State University Experiment Station. 
  • Leading the development of a botanical garden/arboretum. 
  • Helping with the University’s effort in establishing its aquaponics/aquaculture
  • Oversees and coordinates all farm operations, repairs and maintenance of farm equipment; coordinates and assigns daily work schedules for all farm employees supervised, which include weekends and holidays.
  • Responsible for management of all farm operations inclusive of livestock
  • Manage land, property, field operations for planting, crop input applications, equipment readiness, and harvesting
  • Oversees marketing of all products sold which include scheduling, transportation, and monitoring of products; oversees and coordinates ground maintenance on the university farm; ensures that workers supervised complete required university training on time; oversees all buildings on the farm for proper maintenance and adequate custodial services; works with campus security to provide day and night security for the farm using the appropriate technologies; provides employees with training and coaching to perform work safety on the farm; seeks training opportunities for further professional development.
  • Ensures the availability of the facilities for approved extension and research projects and student learning
  • Assists with instructions of Agricultural Science related courses
  • Develops and manages operating budgets; assesses the capital budget needs; and manages cost
  • Creates farm management plans on CSU’s 633 acres of land; this includes cropland, woodland, and meadow
  • Responsibly manage administrative and record keeping tasks related overall success of CSU Farm Operation
  • Performs other related duties as assigned by the Dean and Director.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum Education Requirements: An earned Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Animal Science, Agronomy, Soil Science or agriculturally-related field. 
  • Preferred Education Requirements: A Master’s degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Animal Science, Agronomy, Soil Science or agriculturally-related discipline.
  • Experience working on farm, managing livestock, operating farm machinery
  • Demonstrated good organizational and record keeping skills
  • Basic carpentry skills
  • Demonstrated good communication skills
  • Ability to repeatedly lift 50 pounds
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