Farm Director (Administrator III)

The California State University; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 147,600 - 180,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition assistance / fee waiver

Job summary

California State University, Chico is seeking a Farm Director to provide strategic leadership for the University Farm and Meridian Range, overseeing operations, budgeting, and alignment with college priorities.

The role integrates farm activities with academic programs, driving experiential learning, applied research, and workforce development in agriculture. Collaboration with the Dean and College leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• At least five years of experience in farm management, agricultural business, or extension-like services.
• Experience managing university farms or other complex agricultural enterprises (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the 800-acre University Farm and 249-acre Meridian Range.
• Align farm operations, resources, and financial activities with college and university priorities.
• Lead long-range planning, innovation, and resource development for sustainable operations.

Skills

Farm management

Agricultural business

Grant writing

Education

Master's degree in animal science, plant science, agricultural business, agriculture systems, or related discipline

Job description

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary

Under the general direction of the Dean of the College of Agriculture, the Farm Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the 800-acre University Farm and 249-acre Meridian Range property. As a member of the college’s leadership team, the Farm Director ensures that farm operations, resources, and financial activities align with college and university priorities.

The Farm Director advances the Farm as a dynamic “living laboratory” and a center of excellence for experiential learning, applied research, and workforce development in agriculture. In collaboration with the Dean, Associate Dean, program coordinator, faculty, and staff, the incumbent integrates farm operations with academic programs to enhance student success, innovation, and industry relevance.

Working in coordination with Chico State Enterprises (CSE), the position ensures sound fiscal management and compliance. The role also leads long-range planning, innovation, and resource development to support sustainable operations, infrastructure improvements, and the continued growth and impact of the College of Agriculture.

Required Education and Experience

• A Master’s degree in animal science, plant science, agricultural business, agriculture systems, or a related discipline.
• At least five years of experience in farm management, agricultural business, or extension-like services.

Preferences

• Experience managing university farms or other complex agricultural enterprises.
• Experience working within the CSU or another higher education institution.
• Working knowledge of California’s agricultural regulatory environment, including compliance with state and federal requirements governing agricultural operations.
• Experience securing grants, philanthropic support, or other external funding for agricultural programs or facilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading innovation, diversifying enterprises, or implementing emerging technologies and sustainable practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, workforce development, and inclusive excellence.

Time Base

Full-time

Pay Plan

12/12

Anticipated Hiring Range

Not to exceed $164,000 per year. Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.

Benefits

This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

Additional Requirements

A valid California driver’s license is required and must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive.

This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines and is a Higher Education Employer‑Employee Relations Act (HEERA) designated managerial position. It is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The duties of this position will include participation in a decision that may have a material/financial benefit to the incumbent, thus it is a “designated position” under the California State University’s Conflict of Interest Code and the incumbent must file a Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Open Until Filled

Review of Applications will begin 07/29/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.

Advertised: Jul 08 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: