Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Farm Management

The Farm Specialist is responsible for the management of a university research farm, including crop production, livestock care, and facility and equipment maintenance; integrate practical farm management with educational goals; collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and visitors to ensure the farm's operational efficiency; delegate and provide direction to support staff; maintain a safe and productive environment that aligns with the university’s mission.

• Oversee daily farm operations, including planting, cultivation, harvesting, and livestock care
• Develop and implement farming schedules; manage crop and livestock production to meet educational, research, and operational goals
• Monitor the health of crops and livestock; take corrective action/escalate as necessary
• Oversee farm equipment and infrastructure maintenance and repair, ensuring safety and efficiency
• Collaborate with faculty to design and deliver educational programs and hands-on learning experiences for students; support educational program marketing
• Participate in the planning, coordination, and implementation of research projects; perform data collection as needed
• Supervise and/or mentor students participating in farm-related projects, internships, or work-study programs
• Organize and lead farm tours, workshops, and other educational events for the campus community and external visitors; support extension education activities
• Promote and implement sustainable farming practices, such as conservation techniques and waste reduction
• Keep abreast of agricultural trends and innovations; integrate new practices and technologies into farm operations
• May participate in budget processes, including tracking expenses, procurement, and financial reporting
• Maintain accurate farm activity records, such as crop yields, livestock health, and equipment maintenance
• Implement and enforce safety protocols to protect staff, faculty, students, and visitors
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations
• May collaborate on planning and executing harvested crop production sales
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Intermediate Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action

Independence of Action:

– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 6
• Minimum – $42,100.00
• MidPoint – $51,600.00
• Maximum – $61,000.00