Plant Science Research Manager

This position is located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and is 100% on-site.

The North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) in Grand Rapids, Minnesota seeks a qualified individual to fill the NCROC Plant Science Research Manager position. This position is responsible for excellence in plant sciences research and rotational output including the management of long-range cropping sequences for active research, rotational land activity, and livestock research feed stocks. This position works closely with internal and external researchers to maintain the research integrity of the land and supervise staff and students involved in field operations. This position supports research and rotational land-use activities through direct and indirect field operations and management.

This is a 12-month full time position and reports directly to the NCROC Director of Operations. The individual in this position is expected to be the leader of the NCROC Plant Science research team, be able to constructively communicate and collaborate with those internal to the plant science team as well as other working groups at NCROC, and to proactively advance the research service mission of NCROC. This individual will have excellent communication skills and be able to work effectively in a collaborative team atmosphere.

Specific Responsibilities include, but are not all inclusive:

Manage and Coordinate plant science activities for research and non-research land use (60%)

• Develop, manage and implement effective land and cultural management plans for those land parcels used regularly for research, as well as the land not currently in active research but used in rotation for cropping research and animal research feedstock.
• Direct all cultural practices on research, rotational, and livestock feedstock areas to maximize University resources while maintaining a high level of station efficiency through the most effective procedures.
• Manage and oversee greenhouse use, activities and infrastructures
• Liaison between research projects and station staff to efficiently manage and set protocols for the research requests and communicate effectively the needs and expectations of all. This also includes the coordination and approval of research requests for station visits and activities by other internal and external plant science research team members.
• Govern program and implement cultural practices and labor requirements for all plant science research and non-research areas, in union with respected parties.
• Manage and maintain all records associated with all plant science activities at the Center
• Determine land-use allocation for specific research projects approved by the research team and project PI's and oversee its implementation.
• Participate in outreach strategies and activities for NCROC events and other collegiate or community engagement.

Direct research field support and data recordkeeping (25%)

• Operate, maintain, and calibrate field plot equipment to accomplish the research objectives. This includes tillage, fertilization, planting, pesticide selection and application, plot management/maintenance, and harvest.
• Oversee and input proper cropping data into multiple data tracking programs and softwares to ensure compliance and quality of data.
• Track progress of experiments, sample processing and data collection.
• Manage and oversee all weather data collection equipment and data output for NCROC.

Supervision (15%)

• Independently direct the activities and supervise other members of the plant science team, including research technicians, equipment operators, and seasonal labor.
• Communicate with other full time NCROC programs leaders in a collaborative team approach.
• Conduct the annual performance reviews of individual plant science team members. Work with the Director of Operations to develop and implement performance management initiatives, potential professional development activities, and employee engagement opportunities for the NCROC plant science team.
• Maintain work hour records of summer students and summarize direct team work hours per research project and field activity.

Essential Qualifications

1. Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural related field plus at least five years of relevant experience in plot field research including the operation, maintenance, and calibration of plot equipment; or advanced degree plus at least three years of relevant experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least nine years.
2. Degree and experience in agricultural and horticultural production practices, experience with but not limited to row crops, forages, pastures, small grains, potatoes and other horticultural cropping systems.
3. Supervision experience.

Desired (Preferred) Qualifications

1. Evidence of effective communication skills.
2. Evidence of effectively working with a collaborative team atmosphere.
3. Must currently possess or be able to obtain within the probationary period a non-commercial pesticide application license.
4. Experience in the use of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and/or Access.

The North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) in Grand Rapids, Minnesota seeks a qualified individual to fill the NCROC Plant Science Research Manager position. This position is responsible for excellence in plant sciences research and rotational output including the management of long-range cropping sequences for active research, rotational land activity, and livestock research feed stocks. This position works closely with internal and external researchers to maintain the research integrity of the land and supervise staff and students involved in field operations. This position supports research and rotational land-use activities through direct and indirect field operations and management.

Pay Range: $30.00 - $32.50 (0.77 - 0.84) ($62,400 - $67,600); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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