Agronomy Supervisor - Morris, MN

About the Job

This is a full time 12-month, continuing position located at the University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC), Morris, MN. The position supervises and coordinates the agronomic operations and reports to the WCROC Farm Manager.

The WCROC is a 1,100 acre research farm located near Morris, MN with approximately 500 acres of pasture and 600 acres of crops. As an active farming operation, WCROC has research programs in the areas of Dairy, Horticulture, Renewable Energy, and Swine. WCROC research has national and international impact. The dairy and swine systems require daily care 365 days of the year. The cropping systems provide feed, forage, and bedding for the dairy and swine programs as well as serving as a research platform. A unique aspect of WCROC is the in-house production of certified organic crops and pasture to support certified organic dairy and swine research and production.

WCROC farm operations is organized as a seamless team which is led by the Farm Manager and then supported by the agronomy supervisor, livestock supervisor, and facility supervisor positions. Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Hybrid Onsite at the WCROC in Morris, MN.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages)

The agronomy supervisor should have:

• Excellent management and communication skills to effectively supervise staff, and be able to collaborate closely with the farm operations team including the Farm Manager.
• Capability of directing certified organic and conventional cropping operations while responding quickly to changing conditions and environments.
• Knowledge and understanding of research methods in order to work with WCROC and other college faculty and staff to maintain and deliver high-accuracy and impactful research results.
• Ability to account for daily and seasonal production issues while always understanding that WCROC's main product is research.
• Ensure the highest level of integrity within the compliance areas of organic certification, manure management and water quality permitting and reporting, and safety training and compliance of facilities and staff.

Essential Functions

60% Coordinate and Supervise Agronomic Cropping Operations at WCROC:

• Supervise staff to perform cropping operations and related activities listed below.
• Implement sound certified organic and conventional crop production practices using research-based BMPs.
• Directs and coordinates conventional and certified organic crop and land management plans that include crop rotations, variety selections, fertilizer and pesticide management, manure applications, tillage operations, and land drainage.
• Oversee and direct the necessary field operations to achieve the desired feed, forage, and bedding production and research outcomes outlined per research protocols. This is in union with the Director of Operations, the WCROC Farm Manager, and the requesting project PI.
• Procure and manage all inputs needed for crop and forage research and production which may include, but not limited to, fertilizers, seed, crop protection products, fuels, harvest supplies, and crop insurance. This will involve the purchasing of inputs, developing and coordinating vendor contracts, and coordinating crop insurance and federal assistance programs.
• Maintain detailed land management and crop production records
• Oversee the manure management program including keeping precise records, collecting and analyzing manure and soil samples, submitting reports as required to the MPCA and other regulatory entities, implementing variable rate applications, directing accurate application rates, and managing timely hauling, application, and incorporation of manure.
• Inventory records of cropping inputs, cultural practices performed, and stored grain.
• Supervise and participate in the operations of manure hauling and application; primary and secondary tillage; planting, fertilization, weed control, and crop harvesting including forages and livestock bedding.
• Oversee the implementation of precision technologies throughout the cropping enterprises.
• Monitoring crop progress and health through field scouting and determining BMPs to optimize and maintain production potential while monitoring for optimal harvest windows of forages, feed grains, and bedding.
• Manage stored grain for quality and oversee procurement and transportation of grain, feed, forage, and bedding.

30% Equipment and Field Maintenance:

• Assist and participate with the facilities supervisor to monitor maintenance schedules and direct the repairs of WCROC farm equipment and vehicles. This involves tracking the usage and condition of equipment and making decisions/recommendations for upgrades, repairs, and replacement.
• Communicate and collaborate with the farm manager, livestock, facility, and horticulture supervisors, as well as the Director of Operations on equipment recommendations, decisions, and repairs.
• Monitor, develop and enact strategies that maintain adequate field drainage patterns and road and edge of field aesthetics.

10% Other Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage all weather station equipment and operations including the collection and reporting of all weather data.
• Monitor grain markets and market grain inventories in consultation with the Director of Operations and the farm manager.
• Maintain compliance and advise the Farm Manager and Director of Operations on local, state, and federal regulations that pertain to crop and land management. This includes compliance and reporting requirements with USDA-FSA certifications and multi-peril crop insurance products.
• Collaborate and partner with WCROC supervisors team and faculty to maintain organic crop and livestock certifications regarding crops and land management.
• Provides data, advice, and recommendations to the Director of Operations and farm manager for business management decisions pertaining to the cropping enterprise and equipment maintenance operations.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

1. BS/BA degree in animal science, agronomy, ag business / farm management, or related field plus four years of experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least eight years.

Desired Qualifications

1. MS / MA degree in animal science, agronomy, ag business / farm management, or related field.
2. Experience in an agricultural research setting including data collection and analysis, and technical writing (publications).
3. Demonstrated experience with certified organic crop production systems.
4. Documented supervisory experience.
5. Demonstrated capability in fiscal and personnel management.
6. Demonstrated organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
7. Experience organizing teams and providing leadership.
8. Farm management experience including marketing, purchasing, and inventory of agricultural products / commodities.

About the Department

The WCROC is a 1,100 acre research farm located near Morris, MN with approximately 500 acres of pasture and 600 acres of crops. As an active farming operation, WCROC has research programs in the areas of Dairy, Horticulture, Renewable Energy, and Swine. WCROC research has national and international impact. The dairy and swine systems require daily care 365 days of the year. The cropping systems provide feed, forage, and bedding for the dairy and swine programs as well as serving as a research platform. A unique aspect of WCROC is the in-house production of certified organic crops and pasture to support certified organic dairy and swine research and production. WCROC farm operations is organized as a seamless team which is led by the Farm Manager and then supported by the agronomy supervisor, livestock supervisor, and facility supervisor positions.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $29.25 to $31.25 ; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

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

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employ