What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Operations Manager position at Oregon State University?
Farm Operations Manager
Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by December 10, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
For additional information please contact:
Ben Lyon
lyonben@oregonstate.edu
541-737-6763
Ben Lyon
lyonben@oregonstate.edu
541-737-6763
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Position Details
Position Information
Department
Corvallis Farm Unit (AFM)
Position Title
Manager 1-Farm/Faclt
Job Title
Farm Operations Manager
Appointment Type
Professional Faculty
Job Location
Corvallis
Benefits Eligible
Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The Corvallis Farm Unit is seeking a Vegetable Research Farm Manager. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.
The purpose of this position is to manage the research efforts primarily at the Vegetable Research Farm. The person in this position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Vegetable Research Farm, including assisting project leaders in planning, coordinating, implementing, and managing research plots and managing facility services. Primary responsibilities are to perform cultural and technical aspects of field research projects including seed bed preparation, planting, lime and nutrient application, irrigation, cover crops and routine pest management. This position may supervise an assistant manager, a classified technician, temporary, seasonal, and/or student employees in the general issues related to those positions. This position will also be asked to support other Corvallis farm unit positions as needed.
The purpose of this position is to manage the research efforts primarily at the Vegetable Research Farm. The person in this position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Vegetable Research Farm, including assisting project leaders in planning, coordinating, implementing, and managing research plots and managing facility services. Primary responsibilities are to perform cultural and technical aspects of field research projects including seed bed preparation, planting, lime and nutrient application, irrigation, cover crops and routine pest management. This position may supervise an assistant manager, a classified technician, temporary, seasonal, and/or student employees in the general issues related to those positions. This position will also be asked to support other Corvallis farm unit positions as needed.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
- 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
- 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100 undergraduate degree programs, 80 graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
- 217k alumni worldwide
- For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
- Retirement savings paid by the university.
- A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
50% Manage all cultural activities associated with research plots for vegetables, hazelnuts, and other crops at the Vegetable Research Farm. Provide orientation, technical advice, and consultation to farm users on cultural practices and farm policies and procedures. Communicate pesticide safety concerns and general safety practices to farm users. Participate, coordinate, and supervise, soil testing, land preparation, lime application, planting, pesticide application, rodent control, irrigation, and harvest of crops to provide precise and uniform field research conditions. Utilize proper cover crop management techniques for good soil health, uniformity and weed control in farm ground. Work with research project leaders to design the best set of management practices, based on experience in working individual farm fields and soils, to achieve desired research project goals. Provide detailed consultation and/or specific project oversight in those instances where individuals are infrequent farm users. Keep accurate records of all field operations, including implements used and materials (cover crops, pesticides, soil amendments) applied. Coordinate, supervise, and participate in the transportation of equipment from the Vegetable Farm to the satellite farms and to other off-station research sites, as requested. Other duties within the Corvallis Farm Unit as assigned by the Director such as but not limited to, assisting in the completion of time or weather sensitive tasks at other unit farms, assistance with field days, equipment reviews, sales, strategic planning in cooperation with other farm managers.
20% Long-range personnel, logistics, and resource planning for research projects in cooperation with researchers, research assistants, graduate students, and classified technicians. Assist researchers with seed increase projects and other research-related activities. Assist with field labs for university courses. Farm record keeping/review of fuel use, budget expenditures, pesticide applications, irrigation, and crop maps.
15% Plan and implement maintenance and repairs to machinery and facilities. Assess needs, evaluate choices, and request a bidding process for major equipment purchases. Procure supplies, materials, and equipment for projects when appropriate and observe both state and federal policies and procedures.
10% Provide leadership, supervision, and direction for any assigned staff. Plan, assign, and review work; establish goals for each position; and assess performance through completion of evaluations. Hire, train, and promote employees; discipline or effectively recommend discipline up to and including dismissal; and address grievances, developing a framework for corrective actions as necessary. Provide technical expertise in research techniques and data collection. Implement farm safety programs.
5% Professional development and university service. Includes attending educational short-courses and seminars to maintain current eligibility for pesticide license and as a public water system operator.
What You Will Need
B.S. in Horticulture, Agronomy, or other closely related field plus 3 years’ experience or 8 years’ experience, experience must be in on farm operations or farm management
Active Oregon Public Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain license within 3 months of hire
Experience with farm equipment operation and maintenance,
Experience with irrigation systems including operation and maintenance of various systems.
General farm facility maintenance knowledge and experience
Must be willing to work in areas where pesticides are present, including specialty operations area in Ag Chemical Application (pesticide, herbicide).
Ability to operate a variety of heavy farm equipment, power tools and ladders
This position serves an ever changing and large group of researchers therefore the applicant needs a proven history of working with diverse groups of people to achieve a common goals promoting the ideas and abilities of others
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Computer literacy specifically Microsoft Office Suite
Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
What We Would Like You to Have
Research plot management practice knowledge
Vegetable management experience
Permanent crop experience (hazelnuts, blueberries, grapes, etc.)
Organic experience
Farm management software experience
Experience with customer relations, people management or other interactive experience
Experience with pesticide application
Inventory management
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Farm operations occur throughout the year. All weather conditions. Some weekend or
night work necessary as issues arise.
Pay Method
Salary
Pay Period
1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date
Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range
$60,000-$75,000
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/20061
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
P09574UF
Number of Vacancies
1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date
02/01/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date
11/25/2025
Full Consideration Date
12/10/2025
Closing Date
12/24/2025
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search
Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by December 10, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
For additional information please contact:
Ben Lyon
lyonben@oregonstate.edu
541-737-6763
Ben Lyon
lyonben@oregonstate.edu
541-737-6763
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.
Supplemental Questions
Salary : $60,000 - $75,000
