Manager, Farm

University of Maryland Eastern Shore • Princess Anne, MD

206d • $70,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The School of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (SANS) at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) invites applications for the position of Farm Manager at its Agricultural Experimental Station Farms. This position is responsible for the daily operations, strategic planning, and long-term stewardship of university-owned research, extension, and teaching farms and facilities. The Farm Manager is responsible for assisting faculty (researchers and professors) in the day-to-day operation and management of field trials, servicing specialized agricultural research equipment, and other field work (tilling, planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvesting, haying, etc.). The Farm Manager supports faculty, students, and staff in executing research, education, and outreach activities aligned with the land-grant mission. UMES is the 1890 Land Grant University in Maryland.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, horticulture, animal science, agricultural science, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in managing operational, commercial, or research-focused farm systems, with demonstrated supervisory experience.
• Proficient knowledge of crop and/or livestock production systems, agricultural best practices, and research plot design.
• Demonstrated ability to operate, maintain, and calibrate small and large-scale agricultural equipment, including GPS-guided machinery, sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, planters, and harvesters.
• Basic mechanical, carpentry, and electrical skills relevant to farm infrastructure and machinery upkeep.
• Working knowledge of EPA regulations related to biotech crops and the ability to interpret and follow compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with nutrient management regulations and conservation practices.
• Valid driver's license; pesticide applicator license, or willingness to obtain one.

Nice To Haves

• Experience managing or working on a research farm or agricultural experiment station.
• Understanding of the 1890 land-grant university system and its tripartite mission of Research, Teaching, and Extension.
• Familiarity with precision agriculture technologies and digital data collection systems.
• Ability to obtain a Maryland Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within one year of employment.
• Ability to obtain a Maryland Public Agency Applicator's Certification within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all field operations, including planting, crop management, irrigation, harvesting, and pest/disease control, in alignment with research protocols and sustainable farming practices.
• Supervise and coordinate the farm crew's daily activities, including scheduling, training, and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Ensure student workers and temporary employees adhere to safety and research standards through hands-on instruction.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities, equipment maintenance, pesticide use, and regulatory compliance related to safety, environmental, and nutrient management standards.
• Collaborate with faculty and researchers to support the implementation of crop, soil, and livestock research projects, ensuring adherence to experimental protocols.
• Ensure the maintenance and safe operation of all farm infrastructure and equipment.
• Manage procurement and inventory of farm inputs (e.g., seed, fertilizer, chemicals, parts).
• Assist with budgeting, cost control, and operational reporting.
• Serve as a liaison with university administration, Extension personnel, and external stakeholders.
• Provide logistical support for teaching activities, outreach events, and field days to promote the farm as a learning and research environment.

Benefits

• Health benefits (medical, prescription, dental, flexible spending accounts)
• Retirement (State or Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA)
• Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match
• Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance)
• Tuition Remission
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid holidays
• Paid leave (Exempt positions start at 22 days annual, non-exempt positions start at 11 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year)
• Overtime, shift-differential and on-call pay (non-exempt positions only)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree