Station Superintendent/Senior Station Superintendent - Oklahoma Panhandle Research and Extension Center Goodwell, OK 534915

Oklahoma State University•Stillwater, OK

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Field and Research Service Unit (FRSU) is a component of OSU Ag Research that has a mission to conduct research on agriculture, natural resources, rural economies and social issues to increase science-based knowledge and develop technology to improve the lives of Oklahomans. The Field & Research Service Unit encompasses the infrastructure and local staff for field- and lab-based research experiments. Facilities include research stations that span the diverse environments across Oklahoma and the campus based Controlled Environmental Research Lab, Stored Products Research Center, multiple greenhouses, and core lab facilities. This position serves as a Station Superintendent at the Oklahoma Panhandle Research & Extension Center, which includes both the primary location near Goodwell, OK, as well as the McCaul Research and Demonstration Farm northwest of Guymon, OK. Both locations have an emphasis in agronomic and irrigation research practices. General duties include managing daily station operations, supervising staff, supporting research faculty, and maintaining facilities and equipment to conduct agricultural research projects. The individual must maintain accurate records for all station operations and work closely with OSU research project leaders to support replicated research trials. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required, as is the ability to effectively work with a wide array of audiences, including producers, commodity groups, research faculty, other members of the Field and Research Service Unit, and Administration. Travel is required, and a travel budget is provided.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in Agriculture or a closely related field (for Superintendent)
Master’s Degree in Agriculture or a closely related field (for Sr. Superintendent)
Two years of related work experience, including but not limited to: familiarity with farming practices, equipment operations, equipment repair, some supervisory experience, leadership roles, workload management, conducting field-level plant research practices in agriculture (for Superintendent)
Five years of related work experience, including but not limited to: familiarity with farming practices, equipment operations, equipment repair, some supervisory experience, leadership roles, workload management, conducting field-level plant research practices in agriculture (for Sr. Superintendent)
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
An Oklahoma Ag Chemical Technical Service Applicators or Demonstration and Research license within 6 months of hire
Must maintain a cell phone capable of communication with calls, emails, and text during work and after hours
Familiarity of operation and maintenance of all types of equipment utilized on the research station
Demonstrated competency and effective use of computing and computer-based technology
Broad knowledge of agronomic crops, irrigation practices and work experience in agriculture
Must be dependable, trustworthy, work independently and have a service attitude
Ability to effectively work with people, supervise personnel, good communication skills, ability to provide clear directions
Ability to work with research project leaders, staff, technicians, and graduate students of many departments within and outside DASNR, as well as the public and visitors to the research station
The ability to safely haul heavy trailer loads of equipment across the state
Good mechanical aptitude required

Nice To Haves

Master’s in Animal Science/Range Science/Plant & Soil Science/Biosystems Engineering/ Agricultural Economics/Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences or a closely related field
5 years of previous work-related experience, including management of farming systems and operation of irrigation, research projects, and data
CDL Class A driver's license
An Oklahoma Ag Chemical Technical Service Applicator and/or Demonstration and Research license

Responsibilities

Managing daily station operations
Supervising staff
Supporting research faculty
Maintaining facilities and equipment to conduct agricultural research projects
Maintaining accurate records for all station operations
Working closely with OSU research project leaders to support replicated research trials
Assisting in demonstrations of equipment and station research areas
Maintaining stewardship of available resources
Maintaining, making repairs, and operating various research equipment including general agricultural equipment such as tractors, skid loaders, chain saws, hay equipment, chemical spraying and irrigation
Basic understanding of small engine operation, carpentry, plumbing, and painting