Agriculture & Horticulture Operations Supervisor

Agriculture & Horticulture Operations Supervisor

This position is leadership for the plant sciences team, including daily management of field, crop, greenhouse, and related facility operations that support agricultural, horticultural, and livestock research, education, and outreach at NCROC. The Agriculture & Horticulture Operations Supervisor works under the director of operations and plays a key role in planning and implementing field and greenhouse activities by managing plant sciences staff. This position is responsible for maintaining plant science equipment and facilities, and ensuring safe, efficient, and productive operations within the plant science department. This position also leads outreach efforts in the plant sciences, helping translate research and field activity into public engagement and educational opportunities. The ideal candidate will combine practical agricultural management and horticulture experience with strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to support NCROC's mission of advancing sustainable agriculture and community engagement.

Major Responsibilities

• Operational and Farm Management (40%)
  Oversee the planning and implementation of all agricultural and horticultural operations, including tillage, planting, irrigation, pest management, harvest, and feedstock production for livestock research.
  Develop and manage annual land-use and crop rotation plans in coordination with research faculty, the NCROC Beef Herd Manager, and the Director of Operations.
  Work with the Director of Operations on all animal feed and cropping activities, ensuring adequate and timely production of feed crops to support beef research and livestock programs.
  Ensure efficient and timely completion of farm and greenhouse activities supporting both research and production needs.
  Manage procurement of supplies, crop inputs, feed, and services necessary to sustain operations.
  Maintain accurate records of land use and cropping activities using digital logs and GIS (geographic information systems)
• Equipment and Facility Management - Plant Science Department (15%)
  Oversee equipment and facilities directly supporting plant science and greenhouse operations.
  Schedule, operate, and oversee maintenance of tractors, implements, trucks, and specialized research equipment used in plant science activities. Coordinate repairs, preventive maintenance, and equipment replacement needs with the Director of Operations.
  Maintain inventories of plant science equipment and supplies and train staff in safe and effective operation.
  Manage and oversee all weather data collection equipment and data output for NCROC
• Supervision and Team Leadership (20%)
  Responsible for working with the Director of Operations to ensure that adequate labor, including seasonal staff, is hired, available, trained and assigned to complete daily tasks.
  Direct and supervise staff of 5+ including permanent and temporary workers, students, and seasonal employees involved in agricultural, horticultural, and greenhouse operations.
  Provide training, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
  Foster teamwork and communication across plant science and other NCROC program areas.
• Research Support and Collaboration (10%)
  Supervise the Plant Science Research Coordinator as they liaison with research faculty, technicians, and students to plan and implement field and greenhouse trials.
  Ensure proper setup, management, and data collection for research plots while maintaining operational efficiency.
  Coordinate land and resource allocation for ongoing and proposed research projects with the Director of Operations.
• Outreach and Public Engagement (10%)
  Lead and participate in plant science and agricultural outreach efforts, including field days, community events, and educational programming.
  Work collaboratively with NCROC staff to organize public events that showcase agricultural and horticultural research.
  Represent NCROC in community partnerships, university collaborations, and outreach initiatives.
• Safety and Compliance (5%)
  Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  Serve as an active member of the NCROC Safety Committee.
  Maintain and promote safe work practices within the plant science department, including training, hazard awareness, and equipment operation.
  Ensure compliance with University and regulatory safety standards applicable to plant science operations.
  Support implementation of safety protocols, inspections, and documentation for plant science staff and facilities.

Qualifications Required:
BA/BS plus four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years.
Experience managing farm or greenhouse operations, including field equipment operation and maintenance.
Supervisory experience and demonstrated leadership in agricultural or horticultural settings.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and adapt to dynamic operational needs.

Pay Range: $64,000 - $69,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area