Farm Operations Foreman

University of Idaho; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Idaho seeks a Farm Operations Foreman to manage all field, equipment, and operational aspects at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center in the Magic Valley. The role supports high-quality research projects across crops including potatoes and beans.

Requirements include a high school diploma, two years of supervisory experience in agriculture, and ability to obtain pesticide and chemigation licenses within three months.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience supervising in an agricultural setting.
• Four years of agricultural experience.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive university vehicles.
• Possess a private pesticide applicator license and chemigation license or ability to obtain within three months.
• Ability to work nonstandard hours, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Hiring, training, and supervising farm staff.
• Managing plant production protocols for research.
• Maintaining vehicles and equipment.
• Coordinating daily field operations.
• Operating tractors and other equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety practices

Record keeping

Irrigated farming

Farm equipment operation

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Farm Operations Foreman

Posting Number: SP005469P

Division/College: College of Agricultural & LifeSciences

Department: Kimberly Research Center

Location: Kimberly

Posting Context Statement: Established in 1950, the Kimberly Research & Extension Center encompasses 194 acres of irrigated land, four greenhouses, laboratories, a seed processing and storage facility, and a potato storage research complex. KREC provides research and extension programs that support agriculture for the eight counties of the Magic Valley. Research teams investigate disease management techniques, potato storage practices, plant‑insect interactions and biological control, and weed management practices.

Position Overview

This role manages all field, equipment, and operational aspects of the University of Idaho's Kimberly Research and Extension Center (KREC) in the Magic Valley. This position is essential to supporting high-quality research projects and the overall mission of the center, which focuses on agricultural research in crops like potatoes, sugar beets, dry beans, and more.

Duties

• Hiring, training, and supervising farm staff
• Managing complex plant production protocols for research
• Maintaining vehicles and equipment
• Coordinating daily field operations
• Operating tractor and other equipment
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience

• Two years of experience supervising in an agricultural setting
• Four years of agricultural experience
• Experience in:
  • working in a team environment to accomplish shared goals
  • following safety practices
  • keeping records
  • irrigated farming
  • farm management techniques, including equipment operation, maintenance, and crop management practices

Required Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Required Other

• Must have a driver's license and ability to meet requirements for driving university vehicles
• Possess a limited (private) pesticide applicator's license and chemigation applicator's license or the ability to obtain the licenses within three months
• Ability to work nonstandard business hours, including weekends and holidays

Additional Preferred

• Degree in agriculture, agronomy, mechanics, or related field
• Knowledge of the requirements of field research
• Experience running, troubleshooting, and affecting minor repairs of farm equipment, tools, and machinery
• Knowledge of proper chemical application safety procedures

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Must be able to:
  • Work in adverse environmental conditions and with toxic chemicals
  • Sit for long periods of time in a tractor
  • Climb ladders, bend, and stoop
  • Lift, carry, or otherwise move items weighing up to 75 pounds
  • Stand and walk continuously throughout the workday
  • Work in inclement weather conditions

Degree Requirement

Listed degree qualification is required at time of application

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Employee Category

Classified

Pay Range

$24.79 per hour or higher depending on experience

Type of Appointment

Fiscal Year

FTE

1.0

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Funding

This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.

Visa Sponsorship

No

Posting Date

09/28/2026

Opening Until Filled

Yes

Background Check Statement

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.