Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.
Missing levels within the leveling matrix can be added based on business need.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Farm Operations

The Farm Operations Manager provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for large-scale and/or multiple University farm and agricultural operations supporting academic instruction, applied research, production agriculture, workforce development, and community engagement; is responsible for the overall management, coordination, and integration of agricultural operations, which may include research and production crops, orchards, livestock enterprises, specialized research facilities, and associated land, equipment, and infrastructure; ensures operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, safety, and alignment with the University's academic and research mission; oversees operations managers, supervisors, and staff; fosters collaboration with faculty, researchers, students, and other stakeholders; and integrates practical agricultural operations with experiential learning, research, and production objectives.

• Provide strategic oversight for multiple agricultural operations and/or a large-scale, complex farm operation; develop and implement comprehensive operational plans aligned with academic, research, production, and land-use objectives
• Establish short- and long-term goals for operational efficiency, agricultural production, sustainability, research support, infrastructure, equipment, and resource utilization
• Coordinate activities across farm units, research programs, production enterprises, and support operations to maximize efficiency, productivity, educational value, and research capabilities
• Oversee hiring, training, scheduling, professional development, and performance management of staff; ensure adherence to collective bargaining agreements
• Partner with faculty, researchers, and academic programs to support instruction, research, field trials, student experiential learning, and other University initiatives
• Support research programs and grant-funded initiatives by coordinating agricultural operations, field activities, facilities, equipment, and resources necessary to meet research objectives and applicable research requirements
• Oversee agricultural production practices appropriate to the operation, which may include crop production, orchard management, livestock production, and other specialized agricultural activities
• Ensure appropriate management of agricultural lands, crops, orchards, vinyards, livestock, equipment, and other operational resources in accordance with applicable industry practices, research requirements, and regulatory standards
• Develop and implement practices related to environmental stewardship, nutrient management, conservation, sustainability, biosecurity, pest management, and responsible use of land and other natural resources, as applicable to the operation
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to agricultural production, environmental management, animal care, food safety, workplace safety, pesticide and chemical use, and other applicable operational requirements
• Lead budget planning, financial oversight, and resource allocation for farm and agricultural operations; monitor expenditures, procurement, revenue streams, and financial reporting; identify funding opportunities, cost-saving strategies, and operational efficiencies
• Recommend capital improvements, equipment purchases, technology investments, land improvements, and facility upgrades based on operational, research, and production needs
• Oversee the maintenance and improvement of agricultural facilities, land, equipment, utilities, roads, irrigation systems, structures, and other infrastructure; develop and implement preventive maintenance programs
• Implement and enforce comprehensive safety programs and safe work practices across agricultural operations, including appropriate training, equipment use, chemical handling, and emergency procedures
• Lead risk management planning and emergency response coordination for agricultural operations, facilities, equipment, crops, livestock, and other operational assets, as applicable
• Maintain operational records and reporting systems necessary to monitor production, research activities, resource utilization, compliance, financial performance, and other measures of operational effectiveness
• Promote the adoption of innovative agricultural technologies, production practices, and operational methods that improve efficiency, sustainability, research capabilities, and educational outcomes

Level:

– Manager

Base Description:

– Manages direct reports where primary duty is the management of a working unit.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient ability in work design, project management, financial planning and development of goals for accomplishing unit assignments. Reviews and guides work to ensure conformity to policy and effective approaches. Evaluates employee performance and recommend development opportunities. Demonstrates ability to coach employees. Presents and communicates key university indicatives and connects it to unit contributions. Provides broad guidelines. Develops, evaluates, enhances, and/or implements quality improvement practices. Recommends innovative solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Oversees a team (typically 4 or more; no fewer than 2) full
– time direct reports of individual contributors and/or first level supervisors.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Monitors and tracks department/area budget
– May plan, forecast, and/or assist in developing budgets
– May have final signature authority for specific area

Problem Solving:

– Encounters varied and complex problems
– Helps to develop creative and/or novel approaches to resolve problems that are difficult in nature but within limited scope
– Modifies, adapts, or refines guidelines if necessary to resolve issues or problems

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices and advanced working knowledge to determine appropriate work methods for the team
– Reviews completed work of others for conformity to policy, and effectiveness of approach
– Delegates advanced tasks to others

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and various areas across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Communicates key university initiatives and how unit’s work contributes to their achievement
– Presents ideas, concepts and instructions in a clear manner, and uses persuasion and negotiation to build consensus and cooperation
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $72,300.00
• MidPoint – $90,312.00
• Maximum – $108,444.00

• Agricultural Operations
• Budget Management
• Collaboration
• Facilities management
• Financial Planning
• Financial reporting
• Food Safety
• Preventative Maintenance
• Regulatory compliance
• Research administration
• Strategic Communication
• Strategic sourcing
• Workforce Planning