Manager, Farm Research Service

Job Title

Manager, Farm Research Service

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Beaumont

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Beaumont, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

The Manager, Farm Research Services is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all field-based research operations at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in Beaumont, with a primary focus on rice production systems; however, knowledge of other crop production systems is desirable. This position supports multidisciplinary research programs by ensuring efficient farm operations, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The role requires close collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to advance rice research and deliver impactful outcomes to stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute field operations assigned by project leaders supporting rice and related cropping systems research.

• Manage assigned day-to-day farm activities including land preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and harvesting, which requires operating a vehicle to perform duties.

• Oversee water management systems critical to rice production (including levees, irrigation infrastructure, pumps).

• Supervise, train, and evaluate farm staff and seasonal workers; ensure safe and efficient work practices.

• Implement field research protocols assigned by project leaders to ensure accurate and timely data collection.

• Maintain and manage farm equipment, including tractors, planters, combines, trucks, mules and specialized research tools.

• Oversee chemical handling and application in compliance with state and federal regulations.

• Assist in budget planning, procurement of supplies, and resource allocation for research projects.

• Support field days, demonstrations, and outreach activities with stakeholders and industry partners.

• Assist with greenhouse research operations and related experimental activities.

• Ensure compliance with institutional, environmental, and safety policies.

• Disposing of outdated equipment no longer working

• Coordinate with Center Director, Project Leaders, and College Station/AgriLife for capital improvement projects

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in agricultural field operations.

• Valid driver’s license.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Texas Pesticide Applicator License.

• Ability to obtain and maintain wastewater license.

• Knowledge of repair/maintenance of agricultural equipment.

• Knowledge of crop production practices, pest management, and soil fertility.

• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to work with multiple projects.

• Ability to repair and maintain agricultural equipment.

• Demonstrated experience managing farm equipment and irrigation systems.

• Experience supervising staff and working in a team-oriented research environment.

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system.

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Crop Science, or a related field.

• Experience in rice or irrigated cropping systems.

• Experience with rice research or commercial rice production systems.

• Familiarity with precision agriculture technologies, GPS-guided equipment, and data management tools.

• Experience working in a research or academic setting.

• Knowledge of regulatory compliance related to agricultural research.

• Knowledge of research data collection procedures and relevant computer proficiencies (Microsoft Office, farm record databases etc.) desired.

• Experience in trailering equipment and heavy items.

• Commercial driver’s license or willingness to obtain.

Other Requirements:

• Commitment to safety, and environmental stewardship.

• Primarily outdoor work in field environments under varying weather conditions.

• Ability to lift or move heavy objects up to 50 lbs. and operate heavy machinery.

• Occasional extended hours during peak planting and harvest seasons.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.