LAB RSCH MGR 1 (Plant Production Operational And Quality Manager) Job Listing at University of California in Davis, CA (Job ID 69392)

Description

Job Summary

Department Purpose

Foundation Plant Services (FPS, https://fps.ucdavis.edu/) is a large self-supporting service center in the Department of Plant Pathology of the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences whose primary function is to produce, maintain and distribute elite disease-tested plant propagation materials. Its core mission is to promote and improve the health of planting stock available for the commercial nursery industry for FPS crops. FPS operates the largest grape quarantine and clean stock program for grapevines in the United States. The center employs over 45 laboratory, greenhouse, research, field and administrative staff members housed in two facilities with associated laboratories, greenhouses, screenhouses, shade houses, field buildings, and approximately 240 acres of field plantings. Program expenses average approximately $4 million per year. The program is self-supporting with sources of income including Federal USDA-APHIS funding, State nursery assessment funds, grape user fees, sales of plant materials and contracts for importation, testing and virus therapy of FPS crops. Research is accomplished through extramurally funded projects related to the core FPS mission. FPS is dedicated to the distribution of disease-tested, professionally identified specialty crop plant materials produced by UC researchers, improved by technology developed by UC researchers, or valuable to California's agricultural community. These programs have played a key national and international role in distributing new crop varieties and healthy planting stocks. Currently, FPS is responsible for programs for grapes, strawberries, fruit trees, nut trees, roses, and sweet potatoes. Services are also offered in providing importation, quarantine and virus therapy as well as the laboratory diagnostic testing for plant pathogens and DNA varietal identification.

Job Summary

Under supervision of the Director, ensures that field (orchard, vineyard) and nursery plant production operations at FPS are functioning according to FPS standard operating procedures (SOPs), USDA-APHIS & California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) quarantine requirements, and CDFA Registration & Certification program requirements. Successful management requires close collaboration with Director and all other FPS departments: field operations, diagnostic and research lab, DNA identification lab, tissue culture lab, and business office. Responsible for development, implementation, and documentation of SOPs to ensure consistent operations. Monitors nursery and field facilities for biotic and abiotic factors affecting plant growth and develops and oversees programs to manage water, nutrients, pests and diseases. Interacts with industry, FPS departments, university breeding programs, and other customers to facilitate import, quarantine, testing & release, and distribution of plant material. Tracks plant material using FPS database and ensures that quality control tools are used during propagation and distribution of traceable, virus-tested and DNA identified materials. Working closely with Director, provides supervision and leadership for Ag Supervisor and Lab Research Supervisors and supports them in management of operations.

Position Information

Apply by Date                      

June 12th 2024

Salary Range                        

$88,600/annually - $166,600/annually

Appointment Type                   

Career

Number of Positions

1

Percentage of Time                 

Full-Time 100%

Shift Hours                               

Manager will advise

Location                                   

Davis, CA. 

Union Representation              

No

Benefits Eligible                       

Yes

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Lift and carry large items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Work in enclosed areas that have been treated with pesticides after re-entry periods have been reached.
• Perform repetitious work.
• Work in fields and greenhouses under all seasonal conditions, during extremes of hot and cold temperatures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271 

• This position is 100% onsite at Foundation Plant Services.
• Work in office, lab, greenhouse and field (outdoor) conditions.
• Position required to participate in Department injury and illness prevention program.
• Work in enclosed areas treated with pesticides after re-entry periods are reached.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Additional Minimum License/Certification

• A valid California driver license is required to operate a University vehicle to drive to and from the field.

Minimum Education/Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and four (4) years of progressively responsible relevant experience, which has included at least two (2) years of managerial experience. A Master's degree in a related field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required managerial experience.

• Knowledge and experience in cultural practices and horticultural techniques required in production of high-quality field and greenhouse plants, including pest control, sanitation, propagation, soil and water requirements, pruning/training practices, growth habit, dormancy requirements and nutritional needs. Broad knowledge of integrated pest control methods including chemical, biological, mechanical and organic methods and storage.

• Supervisory experience including hiring, training and assessing performance. Ability to follow through on all actions, with appropriate communications to close any action loops. Maintain confidentiality of personnel or other sensitive issues/matters and exercise independent judgment and discretion in dealing with controversial or potentially sensitive topics.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of abiotic and biotic symptoms and their cause and effects on host plants. Skills to recognize plant diseases and symptoms that may affect the viability of plant material. Skill to make consistent and equitable decisions using established standards that frequently require interpretation.

• Oral and written communication skills to prepare clear, accurate correspondence, policies and procedures, and informational documents to communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally in person, by phone and by electronic mail.

• Strong organizational and leadership skills to identify issues and tasks, set priorities, compile appropriate information and documentation, present materials and meet deadlines with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work in a focused manner on multiple and simultaneous projects with shifting priorities, handle changes in a professional manner while meeting deadlines.

Preferred:

Preferred Education/Experience

• PhD in plant pathology, plant sciences, or related discipline.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Excellent organizational and managerial skills with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to faculty, staff, students, customers, and public.

• Knowledge of county and state safe working practices, laws, and regulations to operate and maintain a variety of small and large equipment used in facility operations and tools needed to effectively manage and maintain field operations.

• Competencies in word processing, database, and spreadsheet software. Web based database management experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis 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, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. 

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.