Farm Manager

Mississippi State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University invites applications for a Farm Unit Manager position at the Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station (CPBES). The role leads daily farm operations to support department research, coordinating staff and student workers while ensuring safety and compliance across facilities and equipment.

The candidate will train students, manage records, and oversee procurement of supplies. A Bachelor's degree and three years of related experience, plus a valid driver's license, are

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Three years of related experience required.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Manages and coordinates farm operations to meet research needs.
• Organizes daily work schedule; supervises and trains farm laborers and student workers.
• Recommends purchase of equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Maintains records and prepares reports as needed.
• Oversees safety, security, and maintenance of buildings and machinery.
• Assists in training undergraduate and graduate students in practical operations.

Skills

Independent work

Machinery operation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Function:

Under the general direction of designated administrator or faculty member, manages a farm unit which serves the research activities of a department.

Salary Grade:

15

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

The Coastal Plain Branch Experiment Station (CPBES) is a 1,090-acre station in Newton County that supports an integrated research and education program that focuses on livestock forages, agronomic crops, wildlife , and other natural resource concerns. There are approximately 160 acres of hay and pasture, 160 acres of agronomic crops, 100 acres of research and demonstration plots, and 600 acres of woodlands and timber. Additionally, the station has a resident beef herd of approximately 60 cow-calf pairs as well as another 40-100 beef stockers that are part of on-going forage grazing trials . CPBES is part of the Central MS Research and Extension Center (CMREC) headquartered in Raymond, MS.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

September 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages and coordinates farm operations to effectively and efficiently meet the research needs of the department/unit, and provides assistance in that regard.
• Organizes daily work schedule for farm operation; supervises, assigns duties, trains, evaluates and approves timecards for farm laborers, intermittent workers, and student workers.
• Recommends purchase of equipment, materials, supplies and other related items.
• Maintains appropriate records which may be computerized, and prepares reports, as required or needed.
• Oversees maintenance, safety and security of buildings, equipment and machinery, in assigned area of responsibility.
• Recommends improvements in farm management techniques and economical use of facilities.
• Under direction of faculty member, assists in training undergraduate and graduate students in the practical aspects of operations associated with independent studies or other practicums.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree.
• Experience: Three (3) years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Substitution: An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
• Licensure: Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Private or commercial pesticide applicators license
• Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification
• Proficiency in farm machinery operations, maintenance, and repairs
• Previous work experience related to HVAC, plumbing, electrical, welding, and/or construction

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and prioritize research station operational needs
• Ability to safely and efficiently operate farm machinery and equipment in support of research and station operations
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, in writing, and electronically

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., with one often to the point of being objectionable.
Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.
Job frequently requires standing, walking, reaching, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Job occasionally requires sitting, climbing or balancing, and lifting more than 100 pounds.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Screening Date:

September 1, 2026, until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.