Research Farm Supervisor I

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics.
In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Research Farm Supervisor I for the Department of Plant Biology. This position reports to the Faculty Director of Rutgers Fruit and Ornamental Research and Extension Center and provides services for the faculty who conduct research at the Center. The position provides direct supervision and coordination of specialty crops including tree fruit, nut, small fruit, vegetable, and woody ornamental management to ensure the highest possible research standards are achieved in the focus areas of breeding and pest management.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:
• Provides support for research using specialized equipment, integrated management practices, and the application of a variety of experimental and registered herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and other chemical and biological compounds specified in field and lab research protocols developed by the faculty and/or IR4 program coordinators, while minimizing adverse impacts on insect pollinators.
• Responsible for maintenance and functionality of all facilities and equipment including buildings, greenhouses, pesticide facility, cold frames, pole barns, backup generators, machinery, vehicles, irrigation traveling guns, pumps for the wells and the irrigation pond at the Center.
• Maintenance of the cultivated and uncultivated areas of the farm, including the deer fence and dam.
• Financial record keeping, performance evaluations, environmental compliance reports, safety, and pesticide records, maintaining inventory of pesticides and document preparation for all purchases, improvements, and field management inputs.
• Works independently and provide day-to-day supervision of field staff and seasonal employees, if available.
• Responsible for coordinating field maintenance activities with faculty, staff, post-docs, and graduate research assistants to ensure the successful operation of the Center.
• Responsible for Rutgers Fruit and Ornamental Research and Extension Center facilities.

Information about the benefits provided to Rutgers employees can be found at: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience.

• New Jersey Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License including: Core, Category 1A and/or 10.

• Extensive experience conducting management of perennial and annual crop species.
• Extensive experience in managing and training hourly workers with little or no horticulture management experience.
• Experience and proficiency with software applications including spreadsheets, word processing, internet, and e-mail.
• Good communication and inter-personal skills.
• Purchasing and inventory skills.
• Use of personal vehicle in order to travel for business demands; a valid driver’s license would be required for this position.

• Proven experience with irrigation systems, hydraulic systems repair, fabrication, automotive and small engine repair, welding, braising, soldering, PVC pipe repair, plumbing and drainage, electrical, carpentry, surveying and mapping.
• Certification in good laboratory practices (GLP) for non-clinical laboratory studies that conform to regulations and best practices established by key regulatory agencies, such as IR4, is preferred.

• Must be able to operate heavy equipment such as tractors skid loader, fork-lift, backhoe, bulldozer, front-end loader, transport equipment, and must be able to maneuver a trailer into tight spaces.
• Advanced knowledge of field preparation for planting and plant establishment and have experience and ability to supervise people using agricultural equipment such as plows, discs, cultivators, tillers, harrows, and air blast sprayers.

• Ability to work under extreme environmental conditions, including the winter and summer months.
• Ability to tolerate high levels of pollen and dust.
• This position is required to work until the job is completed and/or work flexible hours including evening or weekends as required to complete time-sensitive projects and establishment of research trials in a timely manner.
• Ability to lift 80 pounds.

• Successful completion of the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
• Applicant to be a qualified applicator of fertilizers.
• Clean Driving Record

Please upload a list of farm equipment (make, model) that you are proficient at using and maintaining under “Other Document”.

Rutgers Fruit and Ornamental research and Extension Center, Cream Ridge, NJ 08514