This is the third managerial class for positions responsible for the overall management and operation of agricultural/ farming programs which may typically involve multiple institutions and geographically dispersed farm site operations. Positions in this class may be assigned to a component of a university managing and facilitating farming operation for agricultural research, academic or extension programs. They may also be responsible for the agricultural business operations and farming programs for state correctional facilities. This class is distinguished from the Agricultural Manager class by the numerous agricultural programs and farm sites it manages which involves several institutions or facilities; the level of independence and the complexity, size and variety of programs for which it is responsible.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty in planning, developing, managing, coordinating and supervising multiple farming operations involving livestock programs and/or the planting and harvesting of field crops and vegetables. Depending upon whether this class is assigned to: (1) an educational institution facilitating agricultural research, academic or extension programs including animal science, agronomy, horticulture and dairy science or; (2) a correctional facility managing agricultural businesses and farming programs and activities, the applicable duties may typically involve planning and budgeting for all agricultural programs, farm operations and activities at each location; overseeing and/or coordinating the upkeep, servicing and maintenance of all farm equipment and machinery, buildings, grounds, fences, roadways and any research areas. Plans, coordinates and/or oversees the purchasing of all farm equipment, machinery, supplies and services; and monitors all expenditures. Has overall responsibility for supervising, directing, assigning and evaluating farm personnel; overseeing, evaluating and maintaining status reports on all agricultural activities. Where appropriate, manages and oversees all farming aspects and procedures for beef and dairy cattle, swine and poultry operations including health maintenance and disease prevention, slaughter, milking operations and egg production; manages soil conservation and field crop production. Plans for crop rotation of feed and vegetable crop to ensure best utilization of land; determines best times for planting, fertilizing and harvesting crops; coordinates crop planting and livestock programs to maximize productivity and minimize expenses.

Supervision Given: Provides direct and/or indirect supervision, depending on the particular agricultural program or farming operation being managed, to a large group of farm personnel which includes agricultural supervisors, Agricultural Manager, technicians, mechanics, graduate and undergraduate students, inmate work gangs, corrections officers and any other appropriate support staff.

Supervision Received: General directions may be received from an educational institution’s department head, agricultural research or academic programs director, correctional facility director or other higher level administrator.

Scope: Positions in this class manage, direct and coordinate multiple agricultural programs which may effect the overall production and research efforts of the agricultural research, academic, extension or agricultural business programs and operations they are responsible for implementing and facilitating.

Impact of Actions: Positions in this class have a direct effect upon the successful yield of crop and livestock production and any agricultural research, extension and business goals and objectives established for the particular institution to which it is assigned.

Personal Contacts: A broad and frequent range of internal and external contacts are maintained towards the positive coordinating of programs and activities and obtaining maximum production.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of field crop production, soil management, animal husbandry, livestock handling and agricultural research.

Skills: Considerable skills in operating, utilizing and repairing all types of farming and/or agricultural research machinery, equipment and/or tools.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to direct and supervise the work of others; prepare and manage budgets; plan, develop, implement and manage farm operations and agricultural programs; and to communicate verbally and in writing.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certificates: Pesticide and herbicide certification may be required.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with course work in agriculture, agronomy or related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Considerable management level experience involving large farm and/or livestock operations.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class is a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program and replaces the class of Agricultural Manager C. It was established in September 1989.

Last updated: 9/l6/89