Farm & Ranch Management Instructor

University of Arkansas System • Batesville, AR

2d • $50,000 - $60,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Farm and Ranch Management (FARM) Instructor at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) is a faculty position dedicated to providing high-quality academic and technical training on a 250+ acre working farm. The instructor utilizes the farm as a “hands on” classroom to prepare students for careers in agriculture and industries utilizing agriculture-adjacent skills. The focus is modern farm and ranch operations, blending precision agriculture with tried-and-true regenerative farming and ranching practices. Beyond instruction, this position is essential for curriculum development, student learning assessment, and engagement with industry partners to align educational programs with current needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma with a minimum of seven years of documented farming and/or ranching experience with responsibility for farm or ranch operations, equipment use, and production decisions, OR an associate’s degree or higher in Agriculture or a closely related field with a minimum of four years of documented farming and/or ranching experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively and utilize technology in teaching.
• Knowledge Livestock and Poultry Management: Solid understanding of animal health, nutrition, and handling for cattle and poultry. You should be able to teach students about breeding cycles, biosecurity, and the daily requirements of a productive operation.
• Crop and Forage Production: Deep knowledge of how to grow and manage row crops and pastures, including seed selection, weed control, and nutrient management.
• Regenerative Farming: Practical knowledge of sustainable practices that build soil health, such as rotational grazing, cover cropping, and reducing soil disturbance (no-till).
• Precision Agriculture: Ability to use and explain modern technology, including GPS-guided equipment, field mapping, and using data to make better planting and fertilizing decisions.
• Skills Applied Instruction: Ability to demonstrate concepts effectively in the field. You should be comfortable coaching students through hands-on tasks until they are proficient.
• Equipment Operation: Skilled in the safe operation of modern farm machinery. You should be able to teach students how to maintain equipment and utilize on-board technology like yield monitors or auto-steer.
• Ag-Software Proficiency: Comfortable using farm management software and mobile apps to track records, map fields, and monitor livestock data.
• Safety Leadership: A "safety-first" mindset with the ability to instill disciplined safety habits in students working around livestock and heavy equipment.
• Abilities Problem Solving: The ability to adapt teaching plans based on the realities of a working farm, such as weather changes or equipment needs.
• Clear Communication: The ability to speak effectively with students, fellow faculty, and local industry partners. You can explain the "why" behind farming practices, not just the "how.
• Collaboration: Since this role focuses on teaching, you must be able to work closely with the Farm Manager to coordinate student activities on the 250+ acre farm.
• Community Connection: Ability to build relationships with local farmers and businesses to help students find internships and jobs after graduation.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree or higher in agriculture or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
• Teaching experience in higher education, specifically in a community college setting or corporate training experience.

Responsibilities

• Instruction Focuses on delivering high-quality instruction in farm and ranch management operations. This includes the development and assessment of student learning outcomes to ensure competency in both credit and non-credit coursework, depending on program needs. The instructor utilizes the college’s student and learning management systems to deliver content effectively across multiple platforms while maintaining a safe and productive workplace learning environment.
• Student Retention and Recruitment Directs efforts toward student success by implementing retention strategies designed to identify and support students at risk of withdrawing. The instructor maintains regular office hours to provide a consistent point of contact for academic support and intervention. Additionally, this position actively leads and participates in recruitment activities to promote the FARM program within the community and local high schools, ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified applicants.
• Industry Alignment Focuses on building and maintaining relationships with industry partners to ensure the program curriculum remains aligned with current technological trends and workforce needs. The instructor engages with regional employers to verify that the skills being taught meet the demands of the modern industrial sector.
• Professional Development and College Service Maintains professional expertise by staying current with regulatory requirements, best practices, and teaching methodologies through ongoing professional development and faculty workshops. This duty includes participating in institutional governance through division and department meetings and committee assignments. The instructor also serves on Program Advisory Committees and engages in service activities that support the institution and the local community.

Benefits

• The University of Arkansas System is a comprehensive, publicly-supported higher education institution composed of 18 unique campuses, divisions and administrative units that share the singular goal of serving Arkansas residents and others by developing and sharing knowledge to impact an ever-changing world. The UA System provides access to academic and professional education, and develops intellectual growth and cultural awareness in its students, staff and faculty. The system further promotes an atmosphere of excellence that honors the heritage and diversity of our state and nation. It provides students, researchers and professionals with tools to promote responsible stewardship of human, natural and financial resources in Arkansas and around the globe, and with workforce-relevant knowledge to enhance economic development efforts that improve the overall quality of life and societal well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED