Associate Director - Agricultural Research/Extension Center

This position is located in Crossville, Alabama. 

This position is located in Crossville, Alabama. The Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center of Auburn University is seeking candidates for the position of Associate Director. The individual selected for this position will provide leadership to the center in collaboration with the Regional Director, Director of Experiment Station Research Operations, administration, Department Heads, and Dean for the College of Agriculture and the Director and Associate Directors of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.

The Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center is located in Dekalb county atop the Sand Mountain region of Alabama. This region is rich in agricultural history with a wide variety of agricultural enterprises. Row crop research projects frequently target corn, soybeans, small grains, and forages. Cattle research includes animal health, forage grazing trials, and heifer development. Horticultural research is varied and poised to increase. To learn more about the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center, please visit: North Region / Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station Responsibilities include overseeing the day to day operations and implementation of operational and research projects at the center to support all AAES programs related to row crop and cattle production for research, teaching, and/or extension programs.

• Planning, overseeing, and implementing all aspects of a research unit to include design, system installation, operation, and data collection for row crop and cattle research, teaching, and extension projects.
• Interacting with a variety of individuals and groups for tours, seminars, and presentations.
• Scheduling, monitoring, and maintaining records of research.
• Procuring equipment and supplies to sustain research projects.
• Supervising machinery operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Supervising and/or monitoring clean up and sanitation of research facility and equipment.
• May assist in the development and monitoring of the department budget.
• Ensuring compliance with pesticide application, procedure, and standards, as well as other regulations specific to execution of job responsibilities;
• Full supervisory responsibility for other employees is a major responsibility and includes directing and coordinating work schedules, training, evaluating, and making or recommending pay, promotion or other employment decisions.

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business, Management, Business, or related field and 5 years of experience in agricultural operations and/or agricultural research with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and accountability.

Desired qualifications:

• Master’s degree in agricultural sciences.
• Certified Pesticide Applicator License (D&R Preferred)
• Knowledge and experience with row crop, cattle, and horticulture
• Experience with maintenance and operation of equipment
• Supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience with precision agriculture technology
• Advanced computer skills
• Relevant work experience in row crop research
• Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training/Certification
• Artificial Insemination (AI) Training/Certification

• Knowledge of program and/or research area related to position, research design and implementation, and accounting principles and practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated technical excellence, and ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!