FARM MANAGER (General John McCausland Memorial Farm, Henderson, WV - Lakin Farm, West Columbia, WV)

West Virginia Department of Agriculture

Position Description

Job Title:Division:
Farm Manager
Executive

Headquarters:
Lakin Farm – West Columbia, WV

General John McCausland Memorial Farm – Henderson, WV

Reports To:
Assistant Commissioner

Supervisory Responsibility:
Yes

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Nature of Work:
The Farm Manager manages state owned farms using currently accepted agricultural practices and applies new technology.

Examples of Work:

• Supervise farm workers, inmate labor, and mechanics involved in farming and other supportive activities.
• Routine operation of machinery, animal management, and herbicide utilization.
• Perform farming tasks such as plowing, disking, cutting and baling hay and haylege, feeding and caring for animals as necessary.
• Train farm employees in specific farming techniques and procedures.
• Observe farming operations by making frequent rounds throughout the farm to ensure that productivity and efficiency are being optimized.
• Determine appropriate time, methods, and personnel needed for farming activities such as fertilizing, planting, harvesting, storing, etc.
• Oversee the breeding and health of animals, consulting veterinarians when necessary.
• Prepare financial and progress reports regarding farming operations.
• Review and approve timecards and leave requests of staff in the electronic timekeeping system.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Standing, sitting, driving, walking, lifting up to 100 lbs., functioning in and working in proximity of operating machinery, exposure to herbicides and pesticides, outside work, and exposure to inclement weather.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of farm management techniques and principles.
• In-depth knowledge of chemicals used in pesticides and medicines administered to farm animals.
• In-depth knowledge of breeding and animal health programs.
• In-depth knowledge of land cultivation, crop rotation, rotational grazing, and fertilization practices.
• In-depth knowledge of farm machinery and the maintenance techniques used to care for the equipment.
• In-depth knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and objectives of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
• In-depth knowledge of agency reporting procedures and administrative policies.
• Ability to supervise and train a variety of farm workers and other subordinates associated with farming operations.
• Ability to make timely decisions concerning farm management activities.
• Ability to prepare statistical and narrative status reports of farm operations.
• Ability to delegate, direct, and oversee the work of others.
• Skilled in operating all types of farm machinery.
• Skilled in assisting cows during calving.

Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture or a related field.

Experience:
Five years of full-time paid employment in managing or assisting in management of a large, multi-faceted farming operation.

Substitutions:
Additional years of experience in farm management, in excess of the two-years required, may be considered substitution on a year for year basis for employment experience.

Licenses/ Certifications:
Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner of Agriculture and designees.

West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.

Salary : $52,000 - $57,000