Pay Grade: 29E

Context of the Job:

The Assistant Farm Manager at the Elbert N. & Ann V. Carvel Research and Education Center supports the Farm Manager in coordinating all field research and extension projects conducted on-site and at affiliated off-farm research locations. This position provides leadership for the operation of the Warrington Irrigation Research Farm and plays a central role in managing precision agriculture systems, research data coordination, and personnel training.

Working closely with faculty, staff, and students from the University of Delaware’s Newark and Georgetown campuses, the Assistant Farm Manager supports the Farm Manager to ensure that projects are efficiently planned, implemented, and documented. This includes coordination of field operations, maintenance of precision ag equipment and software, and management of the center’s data systems to support ongoing research and demonstration programs.

This position requires strong technical, analytical, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to operate and maintain modern agricultural machinery, digital control systems, and field data collection technologies. The Assistant Farm Manager will also support educational programs, safety compliance, and staff development in collaboration with the Farm Manager and Carvel leadership.

Major Responsibilities:

Farm and Field Operations

• Assist the Farm Manager in all aspects of crop production and research plot management, including field preparation, planting, fertility, irrigation, pesticide application, and harvesting.
• Provide daily operational oversight of the Warrington Irrigation Research Farm, ensuring that all irrigation and field management activities align with research protocols and safety standards.
• Under the direction of the Farm Manager, coordinate the setup, calibration, and maintenance of specialized agricultural and research equipment.
• Under the direction of the Farm Manager, work with project leaders to plan, schedule, and complete research and demonstration projects.

Administration and Leadership:

• Support the Farm Manager in supervision of farm assistants, seasonal staff, and student workers, including scheduling, timekeeping, and performance feedback.
• Assist with procurement of supplies, maintenance of equipment inventories, and preparation of purchase requests.
• Participate in the planning and execution of field days, tours, and special events.
• Maintain detailed records of field operations, maintenance logs, and data management activities.
• Contribute to farm safety planning and serve on the facility safety team.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associates degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field and three years of job-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Knowledge of modern agricultural production systems, precision agriculture hardware/software, and research field management.
• Demonstrated experience in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of agricultural machinery and computerized equipment.
• Proficiency with GPS-based systems, data loggers, mapping and data visualization software, and spreadsheet/database management.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Intermediate computer skills including Microsoft Office, and Excel.
• Ability to train and mentor staff in equipment use, safety, and data collection procedures.
• Valid Delaware Pesticide Applicator’s License (or ability to obtain within six months), Delaware Nutrient Management Certification, and a valid Class A commercial driver’s license.
  
  

Special Requirements: 

• Work involves exposure to outdoor conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, dust, and chemicals.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and climb stairs and ladders up to 16 feet.
• Must wear personal protective equipment, including respirators when required.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during peak field activity periods.
• Employees in this classification are considered essential employees and are subject to being on call 24 hours a day, as may be required to maintain the continuous operation of a farm. Employees must provide a telephone number where they can be reached. In the event of hazardous weather, employees may be called to duty during off-hours. This is farm work requiring physical exertion that is performed either outdoors under all weather conditions.