Wingate Agriculture Research Farm Manager and Instructor

Wingate University; Wingate (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Wingate University is seeking a full-time Farm Manager for the Agricultural Food Systems Program, starting January 2027. You will oversee the day-to-day farm operations, provide hands-on learning for students, and teach undergraduate courses in agricultural food systems and related areas.

The successful candidate will develop farm management plans, mentor student workers, and collaborate with faculty, Extension, industry partners, and the community to advance education and outreach.

Qualifications

• M.S. in Agriculture, Horticulture, Biology, or related field.
• Teaching experience is preferred.
• At least 2 years of farm management experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Wingate University Research and Education Farm.
• Develop and facilitate hands-on learning experiences at the farm.
• Develop and maintain farm management plans, production schedules, SOPs, safety protocols, and records.
• Train and mentor student workers with farm safety and professional skills.
• Build relationships with producers, Extension, industry partners, and community organizations.
• Teach undergraduate courses in Agricultural Food Systems and related areas.

Skills

Farm management

Teaching experience

Communication skills

Farm safety training

Education

M.S. in Agriculture, Horticulture, Biology, or related field

Job description

Wingate University is a teaching-focused institution serving morethan 3,600 students across two campuses. Located on a beautiful500+ acre main campus, Wingate offers a close-knit, supportivecommunity where employees can grow, contribute, and thrive. As anEqual Employment Opportunity employer, Wingate is committed tofostering an inclusive environment and welcomes applicants who areexcited to join our mission and make an impact. Learn more at University in Charlotte,NC | Quick Facts About Wingate . The mission of Wingate University is to develop educated, ethical and productive globalcitizens. Following its Judeo-Christian heritage, the universityseeks to cultivate the following in its students: Faith, Knowledgeand Service. The University’s Mission statement can be found here.

The Agricultural Food Systems Program seeks an experiencedagricultural professional with demonstrated excellence inundergraduate teaching, experiential learning, and farm management. This is a full-time University staff Farm Manager positionbeginning in January 2027. The successful candidate will overseethe day-to-day operations, management, and continued development ofthe Wingate University Research and Education Farm; providehands-on learning opportunities for students; and teachundergraduate courses in agricultural food systems and relatedareas. The Farm Manager will support agricultural research andcommunity engagement, collaborate with faculty and communitypartners, and contribute to the continued growth and development ofthe Agricultural Food Systems Program. This position will workclosely with the Agricultural Food Systems Director and otherUniversity and community partners to advance the educational,research, and outreach missions of the program and farm. Thesuccessful candidate will be team-oriented and demonstrate aservice-oriented leadership approach and growth mindset. Thecandidate will contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, andequitable learning and work environment. The position will remainopen until filled.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Farm management responsibilities will include oversight of theday-to-day operations, maintenance, safety, and continueddevelopment of the Wingate University Research and EducationFarm.
• Develop and facilitate hands-on learning experiences at theWingate University Research and Education Farm.
• Develop and maintain farm management plans, productionschedules, standard operating procedures, safety protocols, andrecords related to farm activities, equipment, crops, livestock,and other agricultural enterprises.
• Train and mentor student employees and other individualsworking at the farm, including providing appropriate training infarm safety, equipment operation, agricultural practices, andprofessional skills.
• Develop and maintain relationships with agricultural producers,Cooperative Extension, industry professionals, communityorganizations, schools, and other partners to enhance studentlearning, professional development, research, and communityengagement opportunities.
• Teaching responsibilities will include undergraduate courses inAgricultural Food Systems, agriculture, and agroecology. Teachingmay include lecture, laboratory, field-based, and experientiallearning components.

Required Skills/Abilities

• A commitment to serving diverse, first-generation,non-traditional, and socio-economically challenged students.
• A willingness to work individually and in groups to supportsuccess in matriculation and persistence in the program.
• Honest and transparent communication
• Qualities of service leadership and a growth mindset
• Equipment operation and maintenance skills

Education and Experience

• M.S. in Agriculture, Horticulture, Biology, or other relatedfield.
• Teaching experience is preferred.
• At least 2 years of farm management experience

Benefits & Employee Experience

Wingate University is committed to supporting employees bothpersonally and professionally through a comprehensive benefitspackage and a collaborative campus community. Full-time employees are eligible for medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirementplan with institutional contribution; paid time off and holidays;tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents; and accessto campus facilities, wellness resources, and professionaldevelopment opportunities.

In compliance with applicable law and University policies,Wingate University prohibits discrimination in its employmentpractices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin,sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medicalconditions, sexual orientation or gender identity), age, geneticinformation, disability and veteran status and encourages qualifiedcandidates across all group demographics to apply. At this time, weare currently seeking candidates with legal authorization to workin the U.S.