Director of University Farm Operations

California State University - Fresno; Fresno (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision

Membership in CalPERS

15 paid holidays a year

Fee waiver education program

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Director of University Farm Operations for a full-time management position at California State University, Fresno. This role involves overseeing the University Agricultural Laboratory and ensuring its financial health and operational effectiveness.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in business or agriculture-related field, have practical farm management experience, and demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills. A full benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of farm management experience in diversified farming or ranching operation or 5+ years of business/management experience.
• Possession of an unrestricted California driver’s license necessary.
• Master’s degree in a business or agriculture-related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the overall operation of the University Agricultural Laboratory.
• Manage financial health of the UAL, develop and implement budgets.
• Ensure safety and professional appearance of UAL lands and facilities.

Skills

Knowledge of financial planning

Knowledge of government regulations

Knowledge of pests and diseases

Knowledge of health and safety standards

Knowledge of modern farming methods

Knowledge of effective management practices

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Strong interpersonal skills

Organizational and time-management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or agriculture-related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google apps

Job description

Director of University Farm Operations (Administrator II)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated hiring salary: $110,000 - $130,000 per year. Competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. Summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

The Director of University Farm Operations serves in a full‑time, twelve‑month management position (MPP) and reports to the Dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, with overall oversight by the Provost. The Director is the primary administrator responsible for the University Agricultural Laboratory (UAL), which encompasses Agricultural Operations and UAL Enterprises that serve as the field‑based laboratory for instruction, research, outreach, and community engagement. Key responsibilities include business administration, strategic planning and implementation to ensure that the UAL effectively meets the mission of the Jordan College; ensuring the overall financial health and long‑term fiscal sustainability of the UAL; and effective management, supervision, and collaboration with department chairs, faculty, staff and community members when needed to meet operational needs.

Position Summary

Provides leadership for the overall operation of the UAL.

Management and Supervision

• Managing the overall financial health and long‑term fiscal sustainability of the University Agricultural Laboratory (UAL).
• Developing, implementing, and tracking budgets for enterprise units to align with available funding and operational needs.
• Managing and supervising UAL staff, including hiring and training of employees; developing, updating, and aligning position descriptions for staff and enterprise unit managers; planning and directing work among the various UAL employees; providing clear goals, expectations, and feedback to individuals and teams; conducting employee performance reviews; and working with human resources to address complaints, grievances, and corrective or disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Ensuring the upkeep, safety, functionality, and professional appearance of UAL lands, facilities, infrastructure, and enterprise units.
• Determining the types of materials, supplies, machinery, tools and contracted services to be used, with attention to cost‑effectiveness and safety.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles of financial planning, budget forecasting, profit/loss analysis, and budget processes.
• General knowledge of current regulations to ensure farm activities comply with government regulations.
• Knowledge of pests and diseases and an understanding of how they spread and how to treat them.
• Knowledge of health and safety standards applicable to farming.
• Knowledge of modern farming methods including sustainability efforts and maintaining biodiversity.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective management and supervision, motivation, performance evaluation, progressive discipline and grievance procedures.
• Knowledge of computer office systems and ability to use technology, systems, and software packages (Microsoft Office Suite, Google apps).
• Skills/Ability to:
  • Develop and implement short‑term and long‑term plans and initiatives to meet established development goals and objectives.
  • Articulate performance expectations to staff, developing objectives and strategies as they relate to established goals.
  • Organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and projects under competing deadlines and maintain flexibility in response to constantly shifting priorities.
  • Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with ability to engage with different levels and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Exercise sound administrative judgment and initiative in the development of new methods and procedures and in the solution of difficult personnel problems.
  • Analyze and interpret financial data and make strategic business decisions.
  • Compile, write, and present reports.
  • Foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the university.
  • Work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and collaborate across organizational units and structures.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business or agriculture‑related field from a regionally accredited higher‑education institution.
  • Business or agricultural business degree with 2 or more years of farm management experience in diversified farming or ranching operation; OR
  • Agriculture‑related degree with 5 or more years of business/management experience in a diversified, complex operation.
• Applicants must possess an unrestricted California driver’s license and must meet California State University, Fresno's safe‑driving criteria.
• Preferred Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
  • Master’s degree in a business or agriculture related field.
  • Formal training in accounting practices.
  • Experience in cost management, employee safety, regulatory compliance, and project management.
  • Experience in systems management.
  • Experience in utilizing generative Artificial Intelligence and/or other technology tools to optimize processes, analysis, and performance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal‑opportunity employer.