Farm Manager

Texas A&M University System • Bushland, TX

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Farm Manager will support and help lead field operations for the public-sector winter wheat breeding program in Bushland, TX, one of two Centers of Excellence maintained by the agency statewide. This position is responsible for the full range of activities required to advance a cereal-breeding program, including field preparation and operations, irrigation, harvest with state-of-the-art plot combines, establishment and management of field trials and small-plot nurseries, data collection, roguing, field note-taking, and related duties. The Farm Manager works closely with the wheat breeder, technicians, and student workers to ensure that all breeding-nursery and yield-trial operations are executed accurately, on schedule, and to research-grade standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop science, agricultural sciences, or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of related experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications and use of email.
• Working knowledge of field-crop production practices, particularly smallgrain/cereal crops.
• Knowledge of farm operations and standard safety procedures.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to operate, calibrate, and maintain agricultural and specialized plot equipment.
• Ability to load, secure, haul, and unload gooseneck and bumper-pull trailers safely.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and scheduling.
• Ability to keep detailed, accurate records and field notes.
• Ability to coordinate and/or apply fertilizers and crop-protection chemicals safely and accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and to prioritize tasks during time-sensitive field operations.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate seasonal workers.
• Ability to travel to other Centers, research farms or meetings, as requested.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• 5+ years experience in field-crop production, either irrigated or rain-fed or both.
• Ability to use modern personal computers and office software.
• Experience in a public-sector or commercial plant-breeding program.
• Experience operating plot combines, small-plot planters, and GPS-enabled farm equipment generally.
• Texas commercial or non-commercial pesticide applicator license (or the ability to obtain one).
• Mechanical aptitude for equipment maintenance and repair.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute all field operations supporting the winter wheat breeding program in the Panhandle and Rolling Plains, including seedbed preparation, planting, cultivation, and harvest.
• Assist in management of greenhouses and growth chambers dedicated to the wheat-breeding and -genetics programs, including record-keeping and pedigree management.
• Plan and direct all planting, crop maintenance, and harvest of small grain yield trials at multiple locations in the High and Rolling Plains of TX.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain specialized plot equipment, including small-plot planters and state-of-the-art plot combines.
• Manage irrigation scheduling and delivery across research plots to meet program requirements.
• Establish, organize, and maintain field trials, yield tests, and small-plot breeding nurseries across the Panhandle and Rolling Plains; assist as needed and appropriate and available with similar operations in Central, NE, and South Texas.
• Perform and oversee data collection, field notes, roguing, and other in-season observations essential to breeding decisions.
• Audit program protocols, and update protocols when needed.
• Haul equipment, seed, harvested grain, and supplies between locations as needed.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities, plot maps, and operational logs.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance and repair on tractors, implements, and specialized research equipment.
• Coordinate and supervise seasonal technicians and student workers during peak field operations; oversee maintenance and operation of all facilities assigned to the wheat-improvement program.
• Serve as operational point of contact for coordination with collaborating programs including wheat genetics, crop physiology, entomology, and plant pathology.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, pesticide-application regulations, and applicable Texas A&M AgriLife policies.
• Assist with seed processing, packaging, inventory, and storage.
• Coordinate use and maintenance of equipment and irrigation systems with AgriLife Farm Research Managers and USDA-ARS farm-management staff.
• Drive state vehicles to and from field sites across the state and region; haul field equipment on trailers to those sites as needed.
• Obtain and maintain pesticide-applicator licensure with the State of Texas.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the breeding program.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance (AgriLife contributes to premiums).
• 12–15 annual paid holidays.
• Up to 8 hours/month sick leave and at least 8 hours/month vacation.
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas.
• Employee Wellness Initiative.
• Access to ongoing professional development and training through Aspire, LinkedIn Learning, and internally developed programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level