THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION

This is a description of a staff position at the University of Wyoming not a job opening announcement.  Look for current job openings at the following link:  https://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/hremployment/employmentdefault.asp.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

TITLE:  FARM MANAGER, SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE RESEARCH & EXTENSION (SAREC)

REPORTS TO:  Designated supervisor

UW JOB CODE:  3005

UW JOB FAMILY:  36

SOC CODE:  11-9011

PAY GRADE:  22

DATE:  3-1-2007

PURPOSE

Cooperates/collaborates with the Director of the Research & Extension Center and/or the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station in the planning and supervision of crop and livestock research projects, work schedules, and special events; responsible for the organization, planning, coordination, and supervision of daily operations and maintenance of facilities and equipment at the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Extension Center (SAREC).

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:

Cooperate with the Director of SAREC and/or the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station in planning and supervision of crop and livestock research projects, planning farm work schedules, and planning and implementing special events (field days, etc.), including supervising three Assistant Farm Managers and staff support.

Assist with budget development, management, selection and hiring of agricultural assistants and seasonal help, and ensure security of facilities, equipment, tools, and supplies.

Work closely with researchers and administrators in planning, publicity and implementation of numerous outreach, public engagement and educational programs. 

Work closely with the Center Director and Director of Agricultural Experiment Station, as well as researchers, including multi-state and intercollegiate research projects, to ensure cooperation and communication on crop and livestock research/demonstration plots and facilities for livestock trials, including planning, supervision and assistance in land preparation, planting, cultivation, weed and pest management, chemical application, irrigation, harvesting, feeding, and other duties as needed.

Participate in planning and layout of crop and livestock research plots and trials; ensure research is completed in safe, timely and appropriate manner.

Compile and maintain records on livestock and crop research plots and trials.

Provide data collected and assist with preparation of reports on approximately 3800+ total acres, including 1500 acres of non-irrigated cropland, 350 acres of irrigated cropland, livestock herd on 1800 acres of native rangeland and 90 acres of irrigated, improved pasture, with a 28-pen feedlot with a capacity of holding over 400 cattle.

Maintain research plot and field histories, as well as special rationing research protocol for the livestock trials; ensure proper crop rotation due to chemicals including fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide applications.

Global positioning systems are in use which includes computer software and wireless communication to the water-delivering sprinklers; aerial photographs are used as well, along with the new satellite technology which has increased international outreach recognition for using this type of new technology in farming operations.

Organize, supervise, and participate in daily operations and maintenance of the research center including develop daily/weekly/monthly work schedules and assignments, ensure employees receive needed training, develop and maintain records, including service schedules for facilities, equipment, and vehicles, maintain records and manuals on crop and animal care, facility/equipment operation and maintenance, and develop maintenance budgets and schedules for facilities and grounds, supervise and participate in regular maintenance activities and repairs to facilities and equipment as needed.

May operate equipment, as needed, in support of farming operations.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

Work with Director of SAREC and Director of Agricultural Experiment Station to maintain good communications and foster teamwork among all levels of personnel.

Conduct tours for individuals or groups, including national and international groups.

May transport or be responsible for the transportation of livestock, equipment, livestock feed and other supplies on behalf of the University of Wyoming.

Provide oversight for livestock management practices, and for all crop production practices.

Assist with observations and maintaining research animals and/or crops; assist with the design and construction of special facilities and equipment for containing livestock or research animals.

Extra work hours may be required during peak seasons such as planting, harvesting, or livestock management.

SPECIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Animal Science and Crop Science theory, methods and practices.
• Care and feeding of livestock and/or research animals including monitoring health patterns and recognizing symptoms of illness, disease, or injury.
• Proper agronomic and horticulture practices including, but not limited to tillage, planting, irrigation, harvest and pesticide applications.
• Safe equipment operation and safety rules associated with agricultural research center.
• Budget preparation and management.
• Conflict management and problem resolution concepts, theory and practices.
• Basic computer software applications.
• Supervisory methods and practices.
• Training methods and practices.
• University, state, city, county and federal rules and regulations applicable to area.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Perform acceptable farming practices.
• Effectively communicate verbally, in writing and electronically.
• Provide effective problem resolution, supervision and training.
• Assist with budget development and monitor expenditures.
• Order supplies and equipment following department procedures.
• Project management including scheduling work assignments, maintaining records, writing reports, and meeting project deadlines.
• Provide basic computer operation for reporting and records management.
• Regularly move up to 50 pounds and occasionally move up to 100 pounds.
• Have hand/eye coordination and manual and physical dexterity to safely and effectively operate and maintain farm facility, equipment and tools, and maneuver around livestock.
• Travel, when required for meetings, training, transportation of livestock or grain, or supplies and equipment.
• Work as a team member and foster a cooperative work environment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, REGISTRATION OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid Wyoming Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Agricultural research facility, farm, and animal laboratory environment(s); regularly exposed to noise, fumes, dirt/dust, confined spaces, and temperature changes; occasionally subjected to chemical, mechanical, and electrical hazards; routinely exposed to adverse weather conditions; some travel is required.

Authorized by Classification/Compensation, Human Resources                                                      

Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.  Participating in the University’s hazardous waste minimization program is part of the job of each employee who uses (or may come in contact with) hazardous materials.  Fair Labor Standards Act (exempt/non-exempt) is designated by position.  University of Wyoming actively supports Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations.