Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Chris Richards, chris.richards@okstate.edu

Work Schedule

Standard University hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. As with the demand for agricultural and field research work, this position will have variable work hours throughout the year to accommodate work with agriculture and research operations. These may include early mornings, evenings, weekends and University holidays.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$52,500 - $76,000

Salary

Priority Application Date

While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by to ensure full consideration.

About this Position

Who We Are: The Field and Research Service Unit (FRSU) is a component of OSU Ag Research that has a mission to conduct research on agriculture, natural resources, rural economies and social issues to increase science-based knowledge and develop technology to improve the lives of Oklahomans.

The Field & Research Service Unit encompasses the infrastructure and local staff for field- and lab-based research experiments. Facilities include research stations that span the diverse environments across Oklahoma and the campus based Controlled Environmental Research Lab, Stored Products Research Center, multiple greenhouses, and core lab facilities. For more information, please visit: https://agresearch.okstate.edu/

There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU, check out our great benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html

Position Details:

Serve as a Station Superintendent at the Oklahoma Panhandle Research & Extension Center, which includes both the primary location near Goodwell, OK, as well as the McCaul Research and Demonstration Farm northwest of Guymon, OK. Both locations have an emphasis in agronomic and irrigation research practices.

General duties include managing daily station operations, supervising staff staff, supporting research faculty, and maintaining facilities and equipment to conduct agricultural research projects. Must maintain accurate records for all station operations. Individual must be able to work closely with OSU research project leaders to support replicated research trials. Individual must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Individual must possess the ability to effectively work with a wide array of audiences; including, producers, commodity groups, research faculty, other members of Field and Research Service Unit, and Administration. Travel required, travel budget provided.

Applicants should submit: 1) a 1-2 page cover letter summarizing their experience and expertise related to the position’s goals and required qualifications, 2) resume, 3) contact information for three references, and 4) copy of college transcript showing degree conferral.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's

  Superintendent: Bachelor’s in Agriculture or a closely related field. 

  Sr Superintendent: Masters Degree in Agriculture or a closely related field. 

  (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• Superintendent: Two years of related work experience, including but not limited to: familiarity with farming practices, equipment operations, equipment repair, some supervisory experience, leadership roles, workload management, conducting field-level plant research practices in agriculture.

  Sr Superintendent: Five years of related work experience, including but not limited to: familiarity with farming practices, equipment operations, equipment repair, some supervisory experience, leadership roles, workload management, conducting field-level plant research practices in agriculture.

Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license. An Oklahoma Ag Chemical Technical Service Applicators or Demonstration and Research license within 6 months of hire. Must maintain a cell phone capable of communication with calls, emails, and text during work and after hours. 

Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

Familiarity of operation and maintenance of all types of equipment utilized on the research station. Demonstrated competency and effective use of computing and computer-based technology. Broad knowledge of agronomic crops, irrigation practices and work experience in agriculture.

Must be dependable, trustworthy, work independently and have a service attitude. Ability to effectively work with people, supervise personnel, good communication skills, ability to provide clear directions. Ability to work with research project leaders, staff, technicians, and graduate students of many departments within and outside DASNR, as well as the public and visitors to the research station. Ability to assist in demonstrations of equipment and station research areas. The ability to safely haul heavy trailer loads of equipment across the state. Maintain stewardship of available resources.

Good mechanical aptitude required. Must be able to maintain, make repairs, and operate various research equipment including general agricultural equipment such as tractors, skid loaders, chain saws, hay equipment, chemical spraying and irrigation. Basic understanding of small engine operation, carpentry, plumbing, and painting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's

  Master’s in Animal Science/Range Science/Plant & Soil Science/Biosystems Engineering/ Agricultural Economics/Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences or a closely related field.

• 5 years of previous work-related experience, including management of farming systems and operation of irrigation, research projects, and data. 

Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

CDL Class A driver's license. An Oklahoma Ag Chemical Technical Service Applicator and/or Demonstration and Research license.