About This Role

The Sustainable Food Production Systems Lab in the Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources at Kansas State University is seeking a Farm Coordinator to manage the day-to-day operations of the Willow Lake Student Farm and support the program’s research and teaching activities. This position plays a vital role in hands-on student education, sustainable agriculture research, and local food system support.
The Farm Coordinator will lead the daily operations at the Willow Lake Student Farm and Geyer Forestry Research Center. Responsibilities include coordinating seasonal crop production, supervising student employees and volunteers, managing produce sales and deliveries to on-campus dining outlets and markets, and ensuring regular maintenance of farm equipment and property. The role also includes care of established plantings and research plots, such as planting, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting.
In addition to production duties, the coordinator will assist with field and greenhouse research by setting up and maintaining research plots, collecting data, and documenting procedures and results. The position also supports teaching activities by helping prepare and deliver hands-on instructional labs both at the farm and on campus.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about sustainable agriculture, experiential education, and working in a collaborative, student-centered environment.

About Us

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager. (Experience in managing small diversified farm operations, substantial knowledge of fruit and vegetable production, practical skills to operate and maintain hand and powered farm and construction tools and tractors will all be relevant experience for educational equivalency in lieu of the Bachelor's degree.)

Preferred Qualifications:

• B.S. in Horticulture, Agroecology, Soil Science, or related field.
• Ability to work unsupervised and accomplish tasks necessary for the function and long-term success of a small, diversified farm.
• Experience in managing small diversified farm operations, substantial knowledge of fruit and vegetable production, practical skills to operate and maintain hand and powered farm and construction tools and tractors.
• Organizational skills to plan and manage the harvest, storage, and distribution of crops.

Additional licenses / registrations / certifications:

• Successful applicant will be required to obtain and/or maintain a valid Kansas Driver License and Kansas pesticide applicators license.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter (or Statement of Interest)
• Resume (or CV)
• Contact Information for at least 3 professional references

Application Window

Applications close on: September 12, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$43,000 - $47,000