Agriculture Superintendent Job Listing at University of California in Davis, CA (Job ID 69430)

Description

Job Description

Department Summary:

The West Side Research and Extension Center (WSREC) is a 320 acre facility located near Five Points, CA in the western San Joaquin Valley (Fresno County). The WSREC provides land, infrastructure for irrigation water delivery, tractors and other farm equipment, and a trained staff to support most farming operations and data collection in field research projects and also can support extension education activities at the REC. Greenhouse space, lath house, multiple laboratory spaces, two field lysimeters for water management studies, and various types of harvest equipment and other implements are available to support projects. Research projects are led by University of CA Cooperative Extension Specialists and Advisors, researchers from the UC Davis and UC Riverside campuses, plus USDA-ARS, CA State University campuses, and to a limited extent, private companies.

Position Summary:

Under the general consultative direction provided by the Center Director, this position is responsible for the management, planning and implementation of field research farming practices, physical plant operations and maintenance, and related participation in budget and planning discussions with the Center Director and Business Manager to meet the needs of research projects and to meet University requirements. Provides guidance to subordinates for a large and complex research center that provides professional management, land, labor and facilities for agricultural and environmental studies and educational outreach activities. Supervises 6 permanent staff and provides direction as needed for seasonal contract labor brought on-site for specific tasks. This position is the direct contact for the REC with outside vendors and approved contractors when brought in to provide specific services. Determines changes to policies and establishes procedures that affect the center. Reviews situations and develops solutions. Identifies risks and responds accordingly.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

Pay Scale: $67,800/year to $95,300/year

Job Posting Close Date: 
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 06/06/24.

Key Responsibilities:

40%

Independently determine, coordinate and direct day-to-day and periodic field and physical plant operations necessary for research support and crop production, including labor and equipment use operations and directions. Instructions necessary may include field and implement decisions, irrigation management, spray equipment and pesticide application decisions, and all aspects of water district, well and irrigation water delivery systems. Communicate directly with individual project leaders as needed to determine resources required for research project needs, including timing of operations, equipment use scheduling and any problems associated with access to or operation of equipment needed for requested tasks. Participate as needed in developing cropping plan for the REC that considers space for new project requests, uniform cropping, and plant-back restrictions to consider for compatibility with research needs, and work with the Center administration in determining research capabilities as part of the Research Advisory Committee process when requested by the Director. Work with Center Director and Business Manager in coordinating access to and preparations needed for REC extension education activities such as conferences, field days and similar tasks. Assist with coordination of growing and marketing of REC's agricultural commodities when possible, and work with Business Manager as needed in receiving and reporting harvest income. Develop and maintain list of prioritized equipment needs or facility and equipment repair needs and participate with Center Director and Business Manager in decisions based on these priorities.

20%

Clearly establish and communicate work assignments for supervised field and facility staff on a routine basis. Establish and monitor work performance and communicate as needed with employees regarding performance, and perform performance evaluations in accordance with University policy. Implement personnel policies in agreement with University policies. Provide direction to outside contract labor brought onto the REC as needed in accordance with University policies. Assure adherence to Center and University policies related to work hours, lunch and break periods, and leave policies and management for supervised staff.

15%

Responsible for maintaining necessary records of all treatments to the farm land on the REC, including applications of fertilizers, herbicides, growth regulators, insecticides and fungicides, tillage operations, and dates of significant operations (plantings, pesticide applications and amounts, harvest schedules) particularly on research field plots. Supervise collection of written or computer recorded data on crop production and sales, crop rotations and chemical use issues that are important considerations for crop rotation and plant-back concerns, and other information on the history of operations on individual fields that could be important in planning for future research trials. Supervise maintenance of records of work done and repair needs on facilities, and maintain documentation as required for assessing water quality components monitored for the domestic water system and required water system testing. Coordinate collection of information on field activities and labor hours expended on all projects, and coding needed for records of operations as well as for recharge calculations. Work with the staff to assure accurate labor hours records are entered into the system and that information is available to the Business Manager at the REC as needed for billing purposes. Collect and assess accuracy of time sheets of supervised employees as needed in a timely manner.

10%

Budget and Planning assistance to the Business Manager and Center Director, including: 1) feedback to the Center Director regarding available resources and staffing available to support research projects; 2) recommendations for the advance purchase of supplies such as pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation equipment needed for field operations, and for repairs or replacement of equipment needed to meet facility and farming needs. 3) maintain inventory data as required, and implement controls to preserve the security of University tools, equipment and other property. 4) for all purchases and services, work with Business Manager to follow proper procedures specified by the University and provide transaction review as required.

5%

In addition to safety training responsibilities for supervised technical staff, this position serves as the Safety Coordinator for the REC, and must attend training as required to maintain that status. As Safety Coordinator, you will work in coordination with the center Safety Officer. You will work with the Business Manager to maintain all applicable safety and training records for the REC and REC staff. Prepare and discuss with staff any Health and Safety advisories provided by the University or associated agencies. Provide periodic training to maintain safe work environments, and periodic hazard awareness training and accident prevention assessments and training. Respond to employee inquiries related to safe work environment and bring to the attention of Business Manager and Center Director as needed for discussion or further evaluations. Assist WSREC personnel in maintaining good housekeeping practices both in building facilities and on-farm to provide safe work environments. Communicate needs for safety-related equipment to Business Mgr and Center Director, and exercise judgment in taking out of operation equipment or facilities

5%

Sets short term goals and priorities for subordinate professionals and support staff. Oversees training needs assessments and works with staff to identify training opportunities available through e-learning or other avenues.

5%

Responsible for working with researchers and extension educators to coordinate use of staff, equipment and arranging for facility use for field days, workshops, seminars or conferences on-site, and tours. Communicate with researchers and their staff, and the public and industry visitors in a welcoming and agreeable manner, presenting a positive attitude that helps enhance general impressions of the REC and helps promote good working relationships. During periods when the Center Director is not available, this position may be responsible for meeting with visitors to the REC.

Requirements:

• High school diploma and / or equivalent certification / experience / training Required
• Demonstrated skills to operate farming equipment and implements for a wide range of farm production practices (cultivation, planting, weed management, pesticide applications, irrigation system installation and operation, and harvesters). Ability to operate some specialized equipment such as road grading equipment, forklifts. Demonstrated knowledge of calculations to determine chemical application rates, and experience with chemical applications (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.) including use of application equipment for annual and perennial crops and right-of-ways.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills for delivering work assignments and directions to staff and outside contractor personnel, and for effective communications with researchers and their staff for the purposes of identifying work schedules and proper instructions needed to make their projects successful and to allow conducting their projects and data collection properly.
• Demonstrated knowledge and willingness to follow purchasing practices, arrangements for services and vendors, and budgetary practices as described by Center Director and Business Manager. Ability to operate within budgetary restrictions and communicate short and long term recommendations for budget management/problems to Center Director and Business Manager.
• Must have or obtain a State of California Certified Pest Control Applicator's License. Incumbent will be supervising multiple Agricultural Technicians who will be required to possess a Qualified Applicators Certificate, so must be able to assist them in maintaining active certification and required credit hours to maintain certification.
• Must possess a valid California Drivers License and will need to participate in the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System Program. A copy of the DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment.
• Must participate in Nitrogen Management Training program as the registrant for the UC West Side REC, and attend trainings required for certification by the Westlands Water District Coalition.
• Must possess or obtain a Forklift Operators Certificate.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience / training.
• Good skills to evaluate issues, demonstrate independent judgment, and identify resolutions to issues.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple priorities, delegate work assignments, and evaluate results. Organizational skills and ability to coordinate and prioritize efficient utilization of Center labor and facilities.
• Awareness of, Commitment to and adherence to the Equal Opportunity, workplace safety and non-discriminatory principles of the University of CA. Solid knowledge of all applicable UC policies, government policies, safety regulations, and collective bargaining agreements. Knowledge and ability to prepare and administer employee performance evaluations and communicate work performance issues to employees.
• Solid knowledge of physical plant maintenance and repairs, including basics of plumbing, irrigation and domestic water systems, and HVAC systems. Ability to communicate with vendors and make independent assessments of relative needs for contacting outside vendors for system repairs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of environmental, health and safety programs required by the University. Ability to implement and manage facility systems and programs in accordance with University rules and applicable county, state and federal laws. Ability to maintain records required for compliance with safety, regulatory and hazardous materials management and reporting.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

UC ANR is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

This position will promote, in all ways consistent with the other responsibilities of the position, accomplishment of the Affirmative Action goals established by the Division.  

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time.  Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site.  Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.