Farm Operations Foreperson

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

Job summary

The University of Idaho invites applications for the Farm Operations Foreperson at the Palouse Research Center in Moscow. The role leads dryland farming activities, oversees field operations, and directs temporary staff while ensuring safe and efficient equipment use and maintenance.

Responsibilities include coordinating daily operations, maintaining production and seed records, and managing compliance with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in agricultural production, farm operations, or a related field.
• Experience with dryland farming practices (soil prep, planting, cultivation, pesticide application, crop maintenance, harvesting).
• Experience operating agricultural equipment and machinery (tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, trucks, forklifts).
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing agricultural equipment and machinery.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily field operations, equipment use, maintenance, and work assignments.
• Train and supervise temporary employees and provide technical direction on equipment operation and farm activities.
• Manage foundation seed processing, records, inventory, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as acting operational lead in the absence of the Farm Operations Supervisor.

Skills

Dryland farming knowledge

Equipment operation

Record keeping

Leadership

Education

None

Tools

Tractor operation

Welding and fabrication

Job description

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title: Farm Operations Foreperson

Division/College: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

Department: Palouse Research Center

Location: Moscow

Posting Number: SP005467P

Unit URL: https://www.uidaho.edu/idaho-ag-experiment-station/centers/palouse

Position Overview

The position provides lead-level coordination of dryland farming, agricultural research, foundation seed production, equipment maintenance, and farm operations at the center. Responsibilities include coordinating daily field and operational activities, training and supervising temporary employees, providing technical direction for agricultural equipment and farm operations, and serving as the acting operational lead in the absence of the Farm Operations Supervisor.

• Coordinate dryland farming, research, and foundation seed production activities
• Operate, maintain, repair, weld, and fabricate agricultural equipment and machinery
• Coordinate daily field operations, equipment use, maintenance, and work assignments
• Train and supervise temporary employees and provide technical direction on equipment operation and farm activities
• Manage foundation seed processing, records, inventory, and regulatory requirements
• Manage Federal Excess Property inventory and related program requirements
• Serve as acting operational lead in the absence of the Farm Operations Supervisor
• Other duties as assigned

Position Qualifications

Required Experience

• Two years of experience in agricultural production, farm operations, or a related field
• Experience with dryland farming practices (e.g., soil preparation, planting, cultivation, pesticide application, crop maintenance, and harvesting)
• Experience operating agricultural equipment and machinery (e.g., tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, trucks, and forklifts)
• Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing agricultural equipment and machinery (e.g., routine maintenance, diagnosing mechanical problems, replacing parts, and performing repairs)
• Experience with welding, cutting, fabrication, and metal repair (e.g., repairing equipment, machinery, vehicles, gates, or other metal structures)
• Experience maintaining operational, equipment, maintenance, or seed production records (e.g., production records, equipment logs, maintenance records, and seed records)

Required Education

• None

Required Other

• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet requirements for driving university vehicles
• Possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or obtain with six months of hire
• Professional Pesticide Applicator License, or obtain within six months of hire
• Forklift certification, or obtain within six months of hire
• Ability to work nonstandard business hours, including weekends holidays, and overtime seasonally

Additional Preferred

• Degree in agriculture, agronomy, mechanics, Agriculture system management or related field
• Experience with foundation, breeder, or certified seed production and handling (e.g., planting, harvesting, cleaning, treating, processing, storage, and maintaining seed identity)
• Effective communication skills for providing tours and interacting with customers
• Knowledge of the requirements of field research
• Knowledge of proper chemical application safety procedures
• Experience in:
  • Working in a team environment to accomplish shared goals
  • Following good safety practices

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, stairs, 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

N/A: No degree requirement

Posting Information

• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Employee Category: Classified
• Pay Range: $25 per hour or higher depending on experience
• Type of Appointment: Fiscal Year
• FTE: 1.0
• Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
• A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy.: No
• Posting Date: 09/24/2026
• Open Until Filled: Yes

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

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

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Letter of Qualification

Optional Documents