Associate Director - Agricultural Research/Extension Center

Auburn University; Crossville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits

Educational opportunities

Work/life balance

Job summary

Auburn University’s Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center in Crossville, Alabama seeks an Associate Director to lead the center's research, extension and teaching initiatives.

The role includes overseeing day-to-day operations, coordinating with the Regional Director, and directing budgets and staff to advance row crop and cattle programs through AAES activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business, Management, Business, or related field with 5 years of experience.
• Preferred: Master's degree in agricultural sciences.
• Certifications and supervisory experience are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, oversee, and implement all aspects of the research unit's operations.
• Interact with diverse groups for tours, seminars, and presentations.
• Schedule, monitor, and maintain records of research activities.
• Supervise and develop staff; manage budgets and equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Budget management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business/Management/Business

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Overview

This position is located in Crossville, Alabama.

This position is located in Crossville, Alabama. The Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center of Auburn University is seeking candidates for the position of Associate Director. The individual selected for this position will provide leadership to the center in collaboration with the Regional Director, Director of Experiment Station Research Operations, administration, Department Heads, and Dean for the College of Agriculture and the Director and Associate Directors of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station.

The Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center is located in Dekalb county atop the Sand Mountain region of Alabama. This region is rich in agricultural history with a wide variety of agricultural enterprises. Row crop research projects frequently target corn, soybeans, small grains, and forages. Cattle research includes animal health, forage grazing trials, and heifer development. Horticultural research is varied and poised to increase. To learn more about the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center, please visit: North Region / Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station Responsibilities include overseeing the day to day operations and implementation of operational and research projects at the center to support all AAES programs related to row crop and cattle production for research, teaching, and/or extension programs.

Responsibilities

• Planning, overseeing, and implementing all aspects of a research unit to include design, system installation, operation, and data collection for row crop and cattle research, teaching, and extension projects.
• Interacting with a variety of individuals and groups for tours, seminars, and presentations.
• Scheduling, monitoring, and maintaining records of research.
• Procuring equipment and supplies to sustain research projects.
• Supervising machinery operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Supervising and/or monitoring clean up and sanitation of research facility and equipment.
• May assist in the development and monitoring of the department budget.
• Ensuring compliance with pesticide application, procedure, and standards, as well as other regulations specific to execution of job responsibilities;
• Full supervisory responsibility for other employees is a major responsibility and includes directing and coordinating work schedules, training, evaluating, and making or recommending pay, promotion or other employment decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Business, Management, Business, or related field and 5 years of experience in agricultural operations and/or agricultural research with progressively increasing levels of responsibility and accountability.

Desired qualifications:

• Master’s degree in agricultural sciences.
• Certified Pesticide Applicator License (D&R Preferred)
• Knowledge and experience with row crop, cattle, and horticulture
• Experience with maintenance and operation of equipment
• Supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience with precision agriculture technology
• Advanced computer skills
• Relevant work experience in row crop research
• Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training/Certification
• Artificial Insemination (AI) Training/Certification

Contract Type

Continuing

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
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• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
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• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education?

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.

Posted Date

10/15/2026