Assistant To Farm Superintendent

The University of Massachusetts Amherst; Deerfield, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is seeking an Assistant To Farm Superintendent to support CAFE South Deerfield Agronomy Farm in agricultural management and research activities. The role assists with field plots, crop management, and livestock care to advance research, education, and outreach missions.

Responsibilities include following SOPs, ensuring safety, operating farm equipment, and coordinating purchases and maintenance, while working onsite with a collaborative CNS team.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience in agronomic crop production.
• Associate’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant & Soil Sciences, Animal Sciences, or related field; or Bachelor’s degree substituted for experience.
• Current Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within three months of hire.
• Valid Class D Driver’s License.
• Experience operating tractors (including front end loader) and UTVs.
• Ability to work with hazardous materials (pesticides).
• Experience with equipment setup, calibration, and maintenance of agronomic gear.
• Ability to work independently, organize multiple tasks, and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with a diverse population.

Responsibilities

• Assist with establishment and maintenance of field research plots.
• Advise researchers on crop management and equipment use.
• Ensure research protocols and learning objectives are followed.
• Maintain farm safety and train staff on equipment use.
• Develop, implement, and enforce farm SOPs; keep safety records.
• Order and purchase farm supplies; advise on equipment needs.
• Coordinate maintenance of farm facilities and equipment.
• Maintain security of farm property and facilities.
• Contribute to farm budget and operate within limits.
• Operate farm vehicles and equipment used in maintenance.
• Apply pesticides, fertilizer, lime and other amendments; collect soil samples.
• Support hay, corn and other feed production for CAE livestock.
• Care for farm animals as needed.

Skills

Agronomic crop production

Pesticide handling

Equipment operation

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Pesticide applicator license

Massachusetts Hoister’s License

Driver’s license (Class D)

ARC/MIG welding

Job description

Title: Assistant To Farm Superintendent

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Center for Agriculture

Work Location: South Deerfield

Schedule:Full Time

Work Arrangement:Onsite

Job Summary

Provide support to the Farm Superintendent in agricultural management of the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) South Deerfield Agronomy Farm. Assist with farm activities that pertain to Research, Education, and Outreach missions of CAFE.

Essential Functions

• Assists Farm Superintendent with the establishment and maintenance of field research plots at the CAFE South Deerfield Agronomy Farm Facility. Advises researchers on proper choice of equipment use and crop management decisions as needed. Recommends appropriate methods and practices to follow to achieve the desired outcome.
• Ensures proper research protocols are followed. Maintains research integrity and learning objectives as related to crops and animals.
• Ensures safety of all personnel (students and faculty) and all farm operations under his/her direction. Instructs and trains staff including part-time and summer student assistants on proper and safe use of farm equipment.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and enforcement of farm Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Participates in the keeping of farm safety reviews and record keeping.
• Orders and purchases farm supplies, fertilizer, seed, pesticides, and equipment. Makes recommendations as needed for equipment for facilities and farm.
• Assists in the coordination of maintenance of farm facilities, equipment, etc.
• Maintains security of farm property. Ensures buildings, equipment, etc. are locked and/or secured when no farm staff are on site.
• Provides input on the farm budget; operates within the limits of the farm budget.
• Operates motor vehicles and equipment used in farm maintenance.
• Applies pesticides, fertilizer, lime and other amendments to research and commodity plots as needed. Participates in the taking and review of soil samples.
• Assists with production of hay, corn, and other feed commodities produced to meet the needs of CAFE research and education livestock.
• Participates in the care of farm animals as needed including: feeding, watering, transport, cleaning of pens, etc.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience with agronomic crop production. An Associate’s Degree of Science in Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant and Soil Sciences, Animal Sciences, or a related field may be used to substitute one (1) year of experience. A Bachelor’s Degree of Science in these fields may be used to substitute two (2) years of experience.
• Current Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain within three (3) months of hire.
• Valid Class D Driver’s License.
• Experience with the operation of tractors (including front end loader), UTVs, etc.
• Ability and willingness to work with hazardous materials (pesticides) as needed.Experience with the set-up, calibration, and maintenance of agronomic equipment including but not limited to: plows, harrows, planters, cultivators, combines and other harvesting equipment, etc.
• Ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of faculty, staff and students.
• Ability to organize and prioritize goals; ability to collaborate well to formulate plans and objectives in accordance with overall college goals; ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to set and meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) or more years of agronomic farm research experience in establishing and maintaining small plot areas.
• Experience in the husbandry of beef or dairy cattle.
• Knowledge of and experience with all aspects of forage hay production.
• Experience with applying pesticides, fertilizer, etc. to fields and small plot areas.
• Knowledge of hydraulics and hydraulics systems maintenance.
• Experience with ARC and/or MIG welding.
• Basic automotive maintenance and repair experience.
• Experience in advanced techniques of fence installation. Knowledge of fixed and electric fence systems.
• Experience with driving truck with attached trailer and/or experience in the securing and hauling of heavy equipment over the road.
• OSHA 10-Hour Safety Training Certificate.
• Current Massachusetts Hoister’s License or equivalent licensure.

Additional Details

May be required to come in during off hours to assist in case of emergency, including snowstorms to assist with snow removal at the farm facility. This position will have an essential personnel designation.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 7AM - 3PM

Salary Information

Pay Grade:USA/MTA Grade 14

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.