Farm Operations Foreperson

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

Job summary

University of Idaho in Moscow is seeking a Farm Operations Foreperson to lead dryland farming operations, seed production, and equipment maintenance at the Palouse Research Center. You will coordinate daily field activities, supervise temporary staff, and provide technical direction on equipment use and farm operations.

The role requires hands-on leadership, equipment repair skills, and the ability to work nonstandard hours.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in agricultural production or farm operations.
• 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 (maintenance, diagnosing problems, replacing parts).
• Experience with welding, cutting, fabrication, and metal repair (repairing equipment, machinery, gates, etc.).
• Experience maintaining operational, equipment, maintenance, or seed production records (production logs, maintenance logs, seed records).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet requirements for driving university vehicles; CDL or obtain within six months; Pesticide Applicator License or obtain within six months; Forklift certification or obtain within six months.
• Ability to work nonstandard business hours, including weekends, holidays, and overtime seasonally.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job description

Appointment Information

Working Title: Farm Operations Foreperson

University of Idaho

Division/College: 3998-CALS Col of Agri Life Sciences

Department: 872-CALS Palouse Research Center

Location: Moscow

FTE: 1

Advertising Pay Range: $25 per hour or higher depending on experience

Is this position contingent on work and/or funding: False

FLSA Status: Classified

Type of Appointment: Full Fiscal Year

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.

Duties May Include

• 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

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 And 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

Posting Information

Open Until Filled: True

Visa Sponsorship: No

Degree Requirement Timeline: N/A - no degree required