Job Details

Organizational Description:

The Fresno State University Agricultural Laboratory - Agricultural Operations is a vital part of the educational program of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. It is continually used to support the program of courses offered by the seven academic departments that comprise the college. Our students play a major role in our 1,000 acre on-campus farm that features products from 20 enterprises ranging from animal production, food and dairy processing, vineyards, orchards, horticulture and field and vegetable crop units to give them hands-on training in the entire "farm-to-fork" process and the business in-between. This position is integral to the mission of the University Agricultural Laboratory-Agricultural Operations and the Jordan College.

Overview:

Under the general supervision of the Farm Manager, this position is responsible to oversee the Orchards Enterprise to ensure the unit is fiscally sound and is contributing to the Jordan College mission and goals of serving as a teaching and research laboratory and industry outreach.

Position Summary:

• Supervise and train student assistants, contract laborers and temporary employees on all day-to-day enterprise activities
• Make decisions on cultural practices (chemical applications, irrigation, planting, cultivation, and harvest)
• Arrange for and supervise contract labor crew activities
• With Farm Manager's guidance, make contracts and arrange for sale of products to other enterprises and to outside buyers
• Keep records of harvest data, yields and all cultural activities involved in growing the crops in the Orchards Enterprise
• Track and monitor expenses and revenues on an ongoing basis
• Coordinate research activities with faculty and researchers to fit into the production schedule
• Train student employees in all aspects of crop production
• Coordinate field lab classes and student projects with appropriate instructors
• Provide Ag Foundation with properly coded invoices and UARCO's
• Provide Farm Manager with separate crop budget information and forecasts to assist in decision making for the Orchard Enterprise

Secondary duties of the position:

• Encourage and integrate student activity into the Orchard Enterprise
• Supervise student assistants
• Attend UAL staff and enterprise meetings as required
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and methods related to orchard production
• Knowledge of the principles, information, methods and techniques related to organic and Global GAP certifications
• Knowledge of the materials and supplies related to the curriculum to coordinate research activities with faculty and researchers, coordinate field lab classes and student projects with the appropriate instructors

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and schedule work
• Operate and repair technical and scientific equipment
• Coordinate support service to meet a comprehensive variety of needs
• Develop off-campus resources for obtaining materials or equipment

Education and Experience:

• Equivalent to four years of experience providing support services in the areas of growing, maintaining and operating equipment for an orchard crop enterprise
  • Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in a related discipline may be substituted for one year of the required experience
  • Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in a courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment in a related discipline may be substituted for two years of the required experience

Specialized Skills:

• Experience operating farm equipment
• Experience with farm chemical safety, mixing, application and record keeping
• Knowledge of agricultural rules and regulations, as well as safety training requirements

Preferred Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of agricultural production practices as it relates to permanent crop production
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, university staff, representatives of community organizations, agencies and the public
• Qualified applicator