Research Agronomist & Farm Manager

Texas A&M University System • Corpus Christi, TX

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Agronomist & Farm Manager will lead all agricultural operations at the Research Center, ensuring that farm resources, equipment, and land are strategically managed to support research excellence and productive cropping. This role combines hands-on agronomy, operational leadership, and coordination with internal and external partners. The manager will oversee crop production, equipment maintenance, land-use planning, and field services for principal investigators (PIs) as well as oversee and execute testing programs for industry partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and five years of hands-on farm management or agronomy experience, ideally in a research or trial-based environment.
• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and three years of hands-on farm management or agronomy experience, ideally in a research or trial-based environment.
• PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and one year of hands-on farm management or agronomy experience, ideally in a research or trial-based environment.
• Strategic land-use planning
• Precision agriculture and data-driven decision-making
• Equipment operation and maintenance
• Collaboration with researchers and external partners
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Ability to secure a Pesticide Applicators license as well as drone pilot applicator license
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and more than three years of hands-on farm management or agronomy experience, ideally in a research or trial-based environment.
• PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and more than one year of hands-on farm management or agronomy experience, ideally in a research or trial-based environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in crop production, soil fertility, pest management, and field operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience maintaining and operating farm machinery.
• Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and manage complex field schedules.
• Excellent recordkeeping, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide full-service field operations for PIs as demanded by stakeholders. This may include land preparation, planting, crop management, irrigation coordination, data collection support, and harvesting of research plots. Ensure trials are executed with precision, consistency, and adherence to research protocols.
• Oversee all day-to-day farm activities, including crop planning, soil health management, fertility programs, pest and disease monitoring, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Maintain, repair, schedule, and operate all farm equipment. Develop preventive maintenance plans, manage equipment inventory, and ensure readiness for research and production activities.
• Maximize productivity of non-research acreage by selecting and managing rotational crops that improve soil health, align with regional agronomic relevance, and generate revenue or strategic value for the center.
• Serve as the primary contact for organizations (internal and external) seeking field testing, demonstration plots, or collaborative agronomic evaluations. Manage logistics, field setup, compliance, and reporting.
• Document field activities, crop performance, input usage, and operational metrics. Provide timely updates to leadership and PIs.
• Ensure all farm activities meet regulatory, environmental, and institutional standards. Train seasonal staff or assistants on safe equipment operation and field procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

What This Job Offers

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