Missouri Institute for Defense and Energy

UMKC is pleased to invite applications for a Temporary Professional Agriculture Manager to lead our USDA-funded grant initiative that focuses on controlled environment agriculture (CEA) solutions that support military veterans through education, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning activities. The overarching goal of our initiative is to train military veteran beginning farmers in CEA who can receive the skillset and experiential learning to start their own farms or transition to the agricultural workforce.

The Agricultural Manager is an essential position in our program and provides direct, daily support to farm operations and serves as the primary point of contact for military veteran participants in the program. Work hours will vary depending upon participant schedules and some weekend hours will be required.

The Ideal Team Member Will Demonstrate:

• A passion for food and food systems
• Understand veteran culture and work well with a variety of individuals
• Ability to operate in an agile and dynamic working environment as a core team player and independent individual
• Effective verbal and written communication
• A curiosity, openness, and willingness to learn new skills, methods, systems, and technologies
• Ability to bend, crouch, and lift at least 20 pounds

Duties:

• Oversee all aspects of crop production and tracking. This includes tracking what we produce and how many pounds we produce on a daily/weekly basis
• Assist with maintenance, cleaning, and improvement of equipment
• Track inventory and create training schedules for military veteran program participants
• Pick up and deliver produce weekly to local restaurants and/or markets
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Research and Institute Programs

• Associates degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least three years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• Exceptionally organized, efficient, and motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a fast-paced, growing team
• Current/prior military experience and/or hands-on experience working directly with military veterans
• Must hold a valid drivers license

• At least one year of experience working with military veterans and/or serving in the United States Armed Forces
• At least one year of experience of agriculture and/or food safety and handling experience

$18.00 per hour

Open until filled

This is a temporary position and would work for 40 hours per week

This position is not eligible for University benefits. Individuals in non benefit eligible positions may choose to participate in the Tax Deferred Annuity Plan (403b). For information about this plan, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call Human Resources at 816-235-1621.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.