Agricultural Crop Research and Land Supervisor - Waseca, MN

Reports to: SROC Director of Operations
Location: Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC), Waseca, Minnesota, (in person position)

Priority Deadline for applicants will be May 12th, 2026

Position Overview
This position is leadership for the SROC agricultural crop research team, including daily management of field, crop, and related facility operations that support agricultural, horticultural, and livestock research, education, and outreach at SROC. The Agricultural Crop Research and Land Supervisor works under the Director of Operations and plays a key role in planning and implementing field research and rotational land activities by managing resources and staff. This position is responsible for collaborating with internal and external researchers and ensuring safe, efficient, and productive operations within agricultural crop research conducted at SROC. The agricultural crops research and land supervisor also serves as the SROC contact point for cropping and land based research and research requests submitted by faculty and principal investigators (PI's) seeking to use
SROC resources for their research projects. This position also leads outreach efforts in the crop research team, helping translate research and field activity into public engagement and educational opportunities. The ideal candidate will combine practical agricultural management and research experience with strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills to support SROC's mission of advancing sustainable agriculture and community engagement.

Major Responsibilities
Research and Land Management (40%)
* Develop, manage, and implement effective land and agricultural management plans for active research plots, rotational land, and livestock feedstock.
* Oversee and coordinate the planning and implementation of all agricultural and research operations, including tillage, planting, pest management, harvest, and feedstock production for livestock research.
* Develop and manage annual land-use and crop rotation plans in coordination with research faculty, research leads, and the Director of Operations.
* Ensure efficient and timely completion of all SROC field activities supporting research, rotational land and livestock needs.
* Manage procurement of supplies, cropping inputs, and services necessary to sustain operations.
* Maintain accurate records of land use and cropping activities using various forms of recordkeeping including digital logs and GIS (geographic information systems) for reporting to collegiate and university leadership or government agencies.
* Review and approve plot requests, plot fees, labor, and supply billing as monthly charges for work conducted in field plots in conjunction with other SROC program leads.
Supervision and Team Leadership (25%)
* Responsible for working with the Director of Operations to ensure that adequate labor, including seasonal staff, is hired, available, trained and assigned to complete daily tasks.
* Direct and supervise staff of 3+ team members including permanent and temporary workers, students, and seasonal employees involved in agricultural and horticultural operations.
* Provide training, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities for staff members.
* Foster teamwork and communication across all areas of agricultural crop research and other SROC programs.
Research Support and Collaboration (20%)
* Serve as the liaison between research faculty, program leads, technicians, equipment operators, and students to plan and implement rotational field and research activities.
* Operate, maintain, and calibrate field and plot equipment to meet research and rotational acre objectives.
* Ensure proper setup, management, and data collection for research plots and rotational acres while maintaining operational efficiency.
* Monitor progress of experiments, sample processing, and data collection to ensure compliance and accuracy.
* Coordinate land and resource allocation for ongoing and proposed research projects with the Director of Operations.
Outreach and Public Engagement (10%)
* Lead and participate in crop research and center outreach efforts, including field days, community events, and educational programming.
* Work collaboratively with SROC staff to organize public events that showcase agricultural and horticultural research.
* Represent SROC in community partnerships, university collaborations, and outreach initiatives.
Safety and Compliance (5%)
* Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
* Serve as an active member of the SROC Safety Committee.
* Maintain and promote safe work practices within all SROC departments and programs, including training, hazard awareness, and equipment operation.
* Ensure compliance with university and regulatory safety standards applicable to all SROC operations.
* Support implementation of safety protocols, inspections, and documentation for SROC staff and facilities.

Qualifications
Required:
* BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant experience, or advanced degree plus at least three years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least nine years.
* Demonstrated leadership in agricultural or horticultural settings.
* Experience managing research, greenhouse, or agricultural production activities and operations.
* Strong communication and organizational skills.
* Ability to work collaboratively across teams and adapt to dynamic operational needs.

Preferred:
* Experience in agricultural research environments or university-based field operations.
* Familiarity with 21st century precision agriculture technologies, automation, UAV, multispectral crop assessment, greenhouse systems, GIS integration, and data tracking.
* Supervisory experience and demonstrated leadership for teams of more than 3 workers in agricultural or horticultural settings.
* Experience leading outreach, extension, or public engagement activities in agriculture or horticulture.
* Knowledge of safety and compliance standards for agricultural operations.
* Currently possess or be able to obtain within the probationary period a non-commercial pesticide application license

Pay Range: $31.00 - $33.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Resume required, cover letter preferred in application.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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