Spooner Superintendent

Universities of Wisconsin•Spooner, WI

4d•$72,000 - $92,000

About The Position

The Agricultural Research Stations in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is seeking a forward thinking leader to be the next Superintendent of our Spooner Agricultural Research Station. Located in Northwestern Wisconsin, the Spooner Station serves UW faculty in seeking tomorrows answers on this unique soil type. In this role, you will work closely with faculty, technicians and students to deliver impeccable and repeatable research outcomes. The Superintendent is also responsible for the day to day cropping plans of the station and seeks to develop new ways that the station can serve our research teams and the public.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, or a closely related field.
Experience managing agricultural or horticultural operations and applying research-based practices (e.g., Oversight of crop rotation schedules, irrigation systems, and pest management plans on a research farm)
Experience applying leadership and team management skills that includes effort fostering collaboration and accountability (e.g., Supervising seasonal and full-time staff and coordinating daily field activities to meet research timelines)
Experience providing effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to convey technical information clearly (e.g., Preparing detailed reports for faculty and presenting findings at research meetings)
Valid driver’s license meeting UW Risk Management standards
Certified pesticide applicator (Must have certification at hire or be able to obtain within 6 months of hire)

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, or a related discipline (e.g., Masters in Soil Science with thesis research on nutrient management strategies)
Experience supervising staff and coordinating research projects in an agricultural setting (e.g., Leading a team in implementing experimental plots and ensuring compliance with research protocols)
Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making, particularly in dynamic field environments (e.g., Quickly adjusting planting schedules due to unexpected weather conditions or equipment failure)

Responsibilities

Plans, develops, and implements processes and protocols to support research aims
Develops policies, procedures, and institutional agreements on behalf of the program
Monitors program budget(s) and approves unit expenditures
Assists in the development, coordination, and facilitation of trainings and workshops for internal and external audiences to disseminate research program developments and information
Plans and directs the day-to-day operational activities of one or multiple research programs or units according to established research objectives in alignment with strategic plans and initiatives
Serves as a unit liaison and subject matter expert among internal and external stakeholder groups, collaborates across disciplines and functional areas, provides program information, and promotes the accomplishments and developments of scholars and research initiatives
Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees