Job Description: |
Supervises farm crew as associated with management of farm and facilities.
Oversees pasture and rangeland management including land preparation, planting, maintaining (fertilization and pest management), and harvesting of forage to provide ample grazing and hay supplement to the center’s cattle herd. This will include harvesting and preservation of hay during the spring and fall as well as haylage during the summer. Oversee the management of rangeland areas of the center through prescribed burning and/or roller chopping. Maintain records of all pasture management activities (planting, fertilization, pesticide applications, mechanical treatments, etc.) including the amount of preserved forage (hay or haylage) produced annually.
Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports regarding overall center pasture conditions, vehicle maintenance logs, equipment inventory and maintenance logs and works with faculty and staff to maintain the center’s vehicle fleet (including UTVs and other transportation). Oversees and coordinates the maintenance of all infrastructure including buildings, fences, wells and associated plumbing.
Purchase items necessary for day-to-day operations for repair of pickup trucks, farm tractors and equipment, plumbing, fencing construction and repairs, and building maintenance, pasture and hayfield fertilization and weed control. Includes monitoring $350,000-plus budget for farm related expenditures.
Oversee inspections of fuel tank and containment area, pesticide storage facility, fire extinguishers, fuel fill log, and worker protection standards and maintain records of such inspections. Provide safety training for farm workers.
Work with faculty, staff, graduate students, and student interns to facilitate research in improved pastures and rangeland ecosystems.
Must be able to reflect on current job functions, purchasing, etc., to make the farm and farm crew more efficient. Should be adaptable to change and use available technologies to improve efficiencies of farm and farm staff. Leads by example and builds morale among farm crew, faculty, staff, and students.
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