Agronomy Farm Operations Assistant

UMass Amherst; Deerfield (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst is seeking an Assistant To Farm Superintendent to support agricultural management at the Center for Agriculture, South Deerfield farm. Responsibilities include assisting with research plot setup, equipment advice, and safety oversight.

You will help implement SOPs, manage farm supplies and budgets, and oversee routine maintenance of farm facilities and vehicles. Experience in agronomic crops and handling pesticides is essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience with agronomic crop production.
• An Associate's Degree may substitute one year of experience.
• A Bachelor's Degree may substitute two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with establishment and maintenance of field research plots at the farm facility.
• Advise researchers on equipment and crop management decisions.
• Ensure safety and proper use of farm equipment by staff and students.
• Develop and enforce farm SOPs; participate in safety reviews and record keeping.
• Order and purchase farm supplies, fertilizer, seed, pesticides, and equipment.
• Coordinate maintenance of farm facilities and equipment.
• Maintain security of farm property and ensure proper locking when staff are not on site.
• Input on farm budget and operate within budget.
• Operate farm vehicles and equipment used in maintenance.
• Apply pesticides, fertilizer, lime, and other amendments to plots and review soil samples.
• Assist with production of hay, corn, and other feed commodities for CAFE research and livestock.

Skills

Agronomic crop production

Pesticide handling

Equipment operation

Driver's license

Self-direction

Interpersonal skills

Project coordination

Education

Associate's Degree in Agriculture/Horticulture/Plant & Soil Sciences/Animal Sciences

Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture/Horticulture/Plant & Soil Sciences/Animal Sciences

Tools

Tractors/UTVs operation

Farm equipment maintenance tools

Safety procedures tools

Job description

UMass Amherst is seeking an Assistant To Farm Superintendent to support agricultural management at the Center for Agriculture, South Deerfield farm. Responsibilities include assisting with research plot setup, equipment advice, and safety oversight.

You will help implement SOPs, manage farm supplies and budgets, and oversee routine maintenance of farm facilities and vehicles. Experience in agronomic crops and handling pesticides is essential for this role.