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Farm Manager
 
Employer University of Tennessee
Location Knox, TN
Closes 2/1/2012
Description LOCATION: East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center (ETREC) – Plant Sciences Unit, Knoxville, TN.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Screening of applicants’ credentials will begin December 15, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled.

THE CENTER and UNIT: The ETREC – Plant Sciences Unit is a 212-acre field laboratory that supports the research, teaching and outreach activities of faculty, research associates and graduate students of The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The ETREC is one of ten research and education centers located throughout the state in The University of Tennessee AgResearch system. The ETREC-Plant Sciences Unit is one of six units in the Knoxville area that comprise the 1,968-acre center. Research efforts currently underway at the ETREC-Plant Sciences Unit include: weed pest control and management, corn, soybean and switchgrass breeding, turfgrass science, forage variety trails, switchgrass establishment, production and management strategies, tree species improvement, ornamental plots and more. The ETREC-Plant Sciences Unit contains a modern office building, sample dryers, seed coolers, seed processing area, ten greenhouses, irrigation pump house with a permanent underground irrigation system, a weather station, and is home to the Center for Athletic Field Safety. Additional information about the ETREC can be found at http://east.tennessee.edu.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Farm Manager provides oversight and management of the entire ETREC-Plant Sciences Unit. Specific duties include: planning, coordinating and supervising activities of unit staff; working closely with faculty, research associates and graduate students in the assignment of research plot space and implementation of research projects; coordinating and assisting with planting, maintenance and harvesting of research plots (row crops, forages, biofuel crops, turfgrass, ornamentals, fruits/vegetables); maintaining inventory, maintenance and upkeep of greenhouses, equipment, irrigation system and all facilities of unit; hosting tour groups, field days and other outreach efforts; working collaboratively and cooperatively with other farm managers and personnel of the ETREC; and performing other duties as assigned by the ETREC Director. The job requires a working knowledge of agronomic research methodology and protocols, plot layout and experimental design, an appreciation of statistics; and a working knowledge of farm equipment and machinery, modern agricultural practices, proper application of pesticides, and the ability to work and collaborate well with people.

QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. degree required, M.S. degree preferred, in agronomy, horticulture, agriculture, biological sciences or related field. The successful candidate will possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving and communication skills; the ability to work as part of a team; the ability to manage multiple projects and activities. The successful candidate must be able to work and communicate effectively with multiple constituents including faculty, research associates, students, vendors, contractors, visitors, unit staff and other ETREC personnel. Experience in farm practices such as proper soil testing and fertilization techniques, application of pesticides, tillage and planting practices for a variety of crops, operation of farm tractors, combines and other equipment, is highly preferred. Demonstration of leadership and supervisory skills is preferred. Experience with appropriate software and technology is preferred. Valid driver’s license is required. Possession of Category C10 (Demonstration, Research and Regulatory Pest Control) certification through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for purchase, use and supervision of restricted-use pesticide application, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment is required.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include group health and life insurance; state employee or optional retirement plans; workers’ compensation; annual and sick leave; three-bedroom residence located at ETREC-Plant Sciences Unit.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applications must include: 1) a letter of application summarizing the applicant’s qualifications and interests, 2) a complete curriculum vitae, and 3) names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of four references. Submit applications and inquiries electronically or by mail to Dr. Mark Campbell, (Chair, Search and Screen Committee), East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, 3209 Alcoa Highway, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37920; mcampbel@utk.edu.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.

In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 1840 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3560, telephone (865) 974-2498 (V/TTY available) or 974-2440. Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity.


Contact Dr. Mark Campbell
Email mcampbel@utk.edu.



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