Plant Systems- Unit Manager

Title: Plant Systems- Unit Manager

Employee Classification: Agricultural Manager I

Hiring Range: up to $78,000.00

Agency: Virginia State University

Location: Virginia State University-Cooperative Extension

Division: Vice President of Academic Affairs-Cooperative Extension

Academic Unit: College of Agriculture-Cooperative Extension

Department: Department Of Cooperative Extension

Agency Website: www.vsu.edu

Job Summary/Basic Functions

The College of Agriculture- Cooperative Extension, Academic Departments & the Agricultural Research Station provide programs and services to improve the educational and socio-economic well-being of students, families, and communities- focusing on excellence through integrated instruction, research and extension programs.

This position will serve as the Plant systems Unit Manager and will support research, extension and academic projects on and off Randolph Farm. This position will lead a team of plant systems staff to help integrate the use of research practices, techniques, and findings to promote and sustain projects and programs for all component of the College of Agriculture.

This position is not telework eligible as the employee will need to work physically on location daily.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- Demonstrated ability to lead a team or past experiences in giving work direction and assigning tasks.

- Demonstrated skills in establishing and maintaining close working relationships with a broad variety of individuals, industry groups, stakeholders, and organizations.

- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple large/small-scale tasks and projects.

- Demonstrated ability (or past experience) working with the public or engaging diverse audiences, youth, and adults.

- Ability to develop, market, and promote program goals and objectives.

- Ability to use computers and software packages (MS OFFICE, SharePoint, etc.) to track inventories and supplies as well as create reports, presentations, and budgets.

- Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of agriculture safety guidelines, university regulations, and state and federal policies.

- Ability to exercise independent judgment within scope of authority.

- Demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills and be adept at tactfully managing shifts in priorities and projects.

- Punctual skills, being task oriented, and attentive to detail.

- Ability to exercise independent judgment and perform work under very limited supervision.

- A valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.

- Experience with ATV’s, mowers, farm tractors, agricultural equipment/implements, trucks, forklifts, loaders, skid steers, and trailers. – With necessary licensures as they apply and needed.


WORKING CONDITIONS:

The standard work hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday; must be able to have flexibility in working hours, for occasional weekend/holiday work, and events/workshops outside of normal work hours; overnight travel/while attending conferences, workshops, trainings and visits to off-farm sites. Due to nature of position occasional nights, weekends, and emergency work situations.
• Travel required - Meetings/Conferences and farm visits/tours.
• Evening/night/weekend work- Required occasionally for support of projects.
• Working indoors/outdoors in greenhouse or in agricultural production fields.
• Climate controlled environment, temperature could vary depending on work-site.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements of the job will require standing and sitting for periods of time, lifting minimum and heavy objects, transporting handheld, back pack, and other types of equipment, and while performing some repetitive tasks, and so forth.

Additional Considerations:

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Have or be able to obtain a CDL - Preferred.

- Ability to obtain a VA Pesticide/Commercial Applicator’s License (Within 1-2 years of Employment).

- Bachelor's Degree in an agricultural science or closely- related field is preferred.

- Minimum of 1-3 years leading teams, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and directing educational demonstrations, trainings and research.

- Ability to comprehend and follow university policies and guidelines and all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

- Experience working with wood and metal fabrication, agricultural buildings and construction, and variety of energy, water, and power systems. Experience in educational environments that support research, education and outreach programs.