Agricultural Technician Supervisor

University of Maryland; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland's College Park campus hosts the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center in Keedysville, MD. A Farm Operations Supervisor is needed to support daily agricultural research activities and lead staff in the Director's absence.

The role requires coordinating fieldwork, operating heavy farm equipment, and ensuring safety. CDL and pesticide certification eligibility are required or pursued as part of the job.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Six years agriculture experience, four in lab/field research and two in lead/supervisory capacity.
• Valid Maryland noncommercial Class C or equivalent driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain CDL and pesticide applicator certification.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate fieldwork supporting UMD faculty at Western Maryland.
• Plan and conduct tiling, planting, fertilizing, spraying and harvesting.
• Operate farm equipment (tractors, planters, sprayers, combines, grain trucks) with required license.
• Perform routine maintenance of equipment, grounds, and facilities.
• Provide leadership to staff when the Assistant Director of Operations is absent.

Skills

Farm equipment operation

Supervisory experience

Computer literacy

Mathematical calculations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description Summary

The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland College Park was first established in 1888 and currently it fosters research at all levels (e.g., molecular, cellular, organismic, and ecosystem) related to sustainable food and fiber production with economic and environmental viability. Researchers within the six academic departments in AGNR and other Colleges use both campus-based research laboratories and four Research and Education Centers composed of 8 Facilities located across different land resource and physiographic regions of Maryland to conduct state-of-the-art research.

Position Summary

This position is located in Keedysville, MD. Assists and supports the Assistant Director of Operations in the daily operations of agricultural research at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center. Works with the Assistant Director of Operations to coordinate fieldwork in support of UMD faculty conducting research at the facility. Plans and carries out fieldwork; tilling, planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvesting for traditional, non-traditional agricultural crops and research plots. Operates farm equipment: farm tractors, tillage equipment, planters, sprayers, combines, and grain trucks requiring a class A commercial driver's license. Carries out routine maintenance of equipment, grounds, and facilities. Will work independently and provide leadership to other employees when Assistant Director of Operations is absent from the facility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, or related field.
• Experience conducting agricultural field research.
• Ability to use, maintain and repair farm equipment and specialized agricultural equipment.

Physical Demands

• Heavy lifting.
• Extreme weather conditions.
• Hazardous materials (pesticides and fertilizers).
• Working environment may have allergens: dust, mold, grasses, etc.
• Must wear and work in personal protective equipment.

Licenses / Certifications

Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), non-commercial Class B or equivalent driver's license valid in the State of Maryland is required. Ability to obtain certification by the Maryland State Department of Agriculture as a pesticide applicator is required.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED

EXPERIENCE: Six years progressively responsible experience in agriculture work, four years of which must have been in laboratory or field research and two years of which must have been in a lead or supervisory capacity.

OTHER: Valid Maryland Noncommercial Class C or equivalent driver's license.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge of farming practices and equipment usage. Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in scientific methods and the use of related laboratory equipment. Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in the use of related farm equipment. Thorough knowledge of mathematics including algebra, area, volume, weights, measures, and proportions and ability to perform mathematical and algebraic calculations. Ability to use computers; to supervise and train agricultural technicians and support staff; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to lift and transport agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment, to climb, and to perform extensive standing and walking; to wear and work in personal protective equipment; to work in extreme weather conditions.

OTHER:

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), non-commercial Class B or equivalent driver's license valid in the State of Maryland may be required. If required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License, employees will be subjected to drug and alcohol education and testing as required under Federal Highway Administration and the State of Maryland regulations. Certification by the Maryland State Department of Agriculture as a pesticide applicator may be required. Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job.

Additional Job Details

Posting Close Date: Friday, October 2, 2026

Open Until Filled: No

Job Risks: Medical Clearance for Driving a Vehicle (ex Commercial Drivers License), Respiratory Protection

Financial Disclosure Required: No For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website .

Department: AGNR-AES-WMREC (Western Maryland)

Worker Sub-Type: Staff Regu