Position Overview:
This is a leadership and supervisory position with primary responsibilities of managing NWROC’s
commercial agronomic production operations. The position develops land and crop management plans based on Best Management Practices (BMPs) then implements those plans through collaboration, direction and oversight of Farm Equipment Operators. Secondary responsibilities will develop in future years to include general oversight of NWROC facility maintenance through collaboration with NWROC facility maintenance personnel. Supervisor responsibilities include providing direction as needed and conducting annual performance evaluations of Teamster Bargaining Unit employees and others as necessary in consultation with the Director of Operations. Leadership responsibilities include building a functional and collaborative team with the farm and maintenance personnel and collaborating with other NWROC research and operation personnel. This Civil Service position reports directly to the NWROC Director of Operations.
Specific Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
60% Coordinate and Supervise Agronomic Farm Operations at NWROC: Implement sound
modern crop production practices using research based BMPs. Develop crop rotation and land
management plans that include crop rotation, variety selection, fertilizer and pesticide
management, tillage operations, and land drainage. This responsibility includes purchasing of
inputs, developing and coordinating vendor contracts, maintaining detailed land management and
crop production records, and inventory records of inputs and stored grain. Includes monitoring
crop progress and health through field scouting and determining BMPs to optimize and maintain
production potential, monitor stored grain quality, and transporting grain to market.
10% Equipment and Field Maintenance: Monitor, provide oversight of, and supervise maintenance
schedules and repair of NWROC farm equipment. Track age, use, and condition of equipment
and make decisions/recommendations for upgrades, repairs, and replacement. Monitor and
develop strategies that maintain adequate field drainage patterns and road and edge of field
aesthetics.
10% NWROC Facility Maintenance (will develop in two or more years): Provide oversight and
collaboration with NWROC maintenance personnel to optimize NWROC facilities pleasing
visual aesthetics and full functionality for NWROC activities and operations. (Note: NWROC
facilities are not UMC facilities) Develop and maintain communication and collaborations, where
appropriate, with UMC facilities management and personnel for the same.
20% Other Responsibilities: Monitor grain markets and market grain inventories in consultation with
the Director of Operations. Monitor vendor special offers to take advantage of early purchase
discounts and availability in consultation with the Director of Operations. Maintains compliance
with, and advises Director of Operations, on local, state, and federal regulations that pertain to
safety and crop and land management. Maintain compliance with USDA-FSA certification,
multi-periled crop insurance, and state, and federal agencies. Provides data, advice, and
recommendations to Director of Operations for business decisions pertaining to the farm and
maintenance operations.
Required Qualifications:
1) BS degree in Agronomy, Farm Management or related field plus at least 5 years of experience in
modern agronomic farm management and techniques; OR a combination of related education and
work experience to equal nine years in the same area.
2) Agronomy Production Experience that includes University developed BMPs, field scouting for
crop health and emerging problems, and grain storage management to maintain grain quality and
quantity.
3) Marketing/Purchase/Sales Experience in or willingness to learn grain marketing strategies
sufficient to adequately market grain, research and communicate with implement and input
salespersons to purchase equipment, repair equipment, and purchase crop production inputs.
4) Supervisory Experience with a successful record of managing employees in a collaborative team
atmosphere.
5) Knowledge and experience in the use of Microsoft Office software; Word and Excel.
6) Must have good communication skills.
7) Currently hold or have the ability to obtain a Pesticides Applicators License and the CDL driver’s
license with 3 to 6 months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Knowledge and experience with electronic or digital record keeping and reporting techniques
2. Sharp eye for detail and precision.
3. Evidence of working in working in a team environment.
To Apply:
Please contact Maureen Aubol for inquiries: aubo0002@umn.edu or 218.281.8602
