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This job expired on December 05, 2015

Farm Superintendent University of Maine

  • Date Posted October 06, 2015
  • Location Orono, ME
  • Category Agriculture / Nonprofit
  • Job Type Full-Time
Job Description About our Farms:

The Witter Center includes the Witter Farm, Rogers Farm and other farm lands in Orono and Old Town. The center provides facilities and staff support for research directed by faculty scientists of the experiment station, instructional and experiential programs for students in animal and veterinary sciences (dairy, equine, sheep) and sustainable agriculture, and educational programs of University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

The Opportunity:

The incumbent in this position is responsible for managing the J. F. Witter Teaching & Research Center and assisting with field and operations work at the Witter Farm. The incumbent is responsible for equipment and infrastructure repairs and farm field work operations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • In consultation with the Associate Director of MAFES and research and extension scientists, develop operational policies and plans for the farms/center.
  • Lead and assist with farm field work and perform other reasonable related duties as assigned.
  • Manage and perform maintenance and repair of facilities and improvements. Work with Facilities Management on proposals for major alterations or new construction and make recommendations to the associate director.
  • Oversee and perform repair and maintenance of farm machinery and auxiliary equipment, particularly at the Witter Farm.
  • Supervise farm employees including hiring or recommending hiring, setting employee goals and assignments, completing performance evaluations, and ensuring employee compliance with required training and university policies. Provide job-specific training.
  • Obtain annual experiment plans from faculty and other scientists and manage and schedule the center resources for providing effective assistance. Coordinate with teaching faculty and extension educators for on-farm activities as appropriate.
  • Manage and provide oversight of financial resources and processes of the center, including recommending and managing annual budgets for the operation of the center to the associate director and college Finance Office. Purchase farm supplies and equipment. Approve invoices for payments on purchases or services. Handle other routine financial matters.
  • Market farm products not used for research and transmit payments to college Finance Office.
  • Ensure compliance with University of Maine, state of Maine, and federal safety, environmental, and animal care regulations as appropriate. Maintain best agricultural practices. Maintain a safe working environment for employees, students, and visitors.
  • Provide security for the center premises. Superintendent is responsible for after-hours and weekend security at the center. Superintendent, or their designee, is required to reside in the house provided on the premises of the Witter Farm.
  • Work collaboratively with other university units and offices and representatives of agricultural industry groups.
Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications:
  • Typically has the education associated with a B.S. degree in agriculture or related field.
  • Experience in farm operation and farm management required and experience with crop, forage, or livestock management required.
  • Demonstrated experience in supervising farm workers required. Experience with farm equipment and infrastructure maintenance required.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve problems and overcome challenges required. 
  • Demonstrated ability to develop financial budgets and administering financial resources is required.
  • Ability to respond to security issues within one hour is required.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
  • Ability to work out of doors in a variety of conditions, including heat, cold, dust, mud and snow is required.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. required.
  • Must have a valid Maine class B driver’s license or obtain one within 60 days of employment.
  • Must also have a valid Maine commercial/master pesticide applicator’s license with a demonstration and research category endorsement or obtain one within 60 days of employment.
Supervisory Responsibilities:

One to two professional employees, one to four classified employees, and students and temporary employees to include scheduling and assigning work, disciplinary actions, evaluating performance, hiring and termination.

Position Type:

Full-time, ongoing, fiscal year, base budgeted professional position.

Work Environment/Dynamics: 

The superintendent works in numerous environments. While most work is performed at the center, some travel to the University of Maine campus is required. Some early morning, evening, and weekend work is also required. The job requires working out of doors in a variety of conditions, including heat, cold, dust, mud, and snow. The job also requires the operation of noisy equipment. Indoor work related to planning, budgeting, and other paperwork is also required. The superintendent is responsible for after-hours and weekend security at the center. The superintendent, or their designee, lives in the house provided on the premises of the Witter Farm.

Work Schedule:

Full-time, regular, 12-month position. However, flexibility in the work schedule may be necessary (to include nights and weekends) to complete the requirements of the position.

Typical hiring range for this position is $40,461 to $50,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Compensation this position is : salaried How to apply
This job expired on December 05, 2015
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