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:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 8
• Minimum – $51,000.00
• MidPoint – $62,500.00
• Maximum – $74,000.00