Farm Production Manager

The Desert Farming Initiative at the University of Nevada, Reno seeks to fill a full-time Administrative Faculty position as the Farm Production Manager. This position will be an integral component of the University of Nevada, Reno, the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station, the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension and the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources. The Farm Production Manager (FPM) will directly report to, and work closely with the Program Manager. The position will oversee, manage, coordinate, and execute the production and harvest of all vegetable and fruit crop operations at two field station sites for the UNR Desert Farming Initiative. The incumbent will be responsible for organizing and managing all farm employees, including the Assistant Farm Manager, farm employees, student employees, interns, and volunteers. Working closely with the Program Manager, the Farm Production Manager will develop crop plans, implement a pest management plan, soil fertility and crop nutrition plan, and research and order agricultural products as needed. The incumbent will install, develop, and maintain drip and overhead irrigation infrastructure, and is responsible for executing all crop irrigation requirements. The incumbent executes all tractor work with precision; oversees and insures the proper management of all tractor equipment; and may be required to research new and innovated precision row crop equipment for demonstration. In addition, the incumbent will work closely with the DFI Education Program Coordinator, and Program Manager to implement and execute the farm’s Food Safety plan, Good Agricultural Practice certification, and greenhouse organic certification. The DFI has three primary goals: provide an educational program in sustainable farming systems for desert climates; provide research and hands-on educational experience to UNR faculty, students, the agricultural industry and community; and demonstrate working agricultural systems in desert climates. The Farm Production Manager will play a critical role in achieving these goals on the ground and maintaining a highly productive farm that serves these goals to the highest capacity. The Farm Production Manager will also be expected to contribute to the innovation of advancing DFI farming systems with alternative and sustainable practices. In addition, the position will participate in workshops and community outreach held at the Desert Farming Initiative.

 

A high school diploma and four years of related work experience; OR an associate degree with three years of related work experience; OR a bachelor’s degree with two years of related work experience; OR a master’s degree with one year of related work experience. Related work experience: in a farm management level position including farm supervisor, assistant farm manager, farm manager, or owner for a vegetable and or fruit farm; in diversified row crop farming systems; or working on an educational, research, or demonstration farm.

 

An agriculture or natural resources related bachelor’s degree, with at least 4 years of farm management employment on a diversified row crop vegetable and fruit farm. The ideal will also obtain years of experience working in lower level positions on a farm, such as a farm intern, field worker, crew leader, or assistant farm manager. In addition, the ideal candidate will have the skills and ability to immediately take over the day to day farm operations and lead the farm team to successfully produce a diversity of crop on 4-5 acres in year one. Additional preferred qualifications include candidates with proven experience in managing soil fertility and pesticide programs.

 

Please follow this link for the official job announcement and application process. https://nshe.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/UNR-external/job/University-of-Nevada-Reno---Main-Campus/Farm-Production-Manager--Desert-Farming-Initiative--DFI-_R0114246-1