Assistant Farm Manager

The Plants Soils and Climate department of Utah State University seeks qualified individuals to assist in managing research fields plots as part of collaborative research with the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Duties include operating tractors and other farm equipment maintaining (mow till irrigate weed control) research plots and open areas and operating specialized plot-sized harvest and tillage equipment.

This position is in Cache County and requires travel to UAES and ARS farms in Cache Box Elder and Nephi Counties and will generally require 20-30 hours a week March through September. This position will report to Earl Creech PSC department and receive technical supervision from Blair Waldron USDA-ARS.

• Skills and experience must be such that assistant manager can determine plan for and implement the appropriate field maintenance. Including knowing the proper equipment for tillage and weed control the proper timing and chemistry for pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides and possible issues such as drought insect damage and weed invasion.
• Requires travel to different research sites. Mostly solo and no overnight travel required. Must be able to load transport and unload farm equipment using towing vehicles.
• Requires operating tractors and other farm equipment. The operator must be skilled in manipulating tractor controls for smooth starting stopping and maneuvering the tractor and towed vehicles in congested areas.
• The assistant manager will maintain (mow till and spray herbicides) research plots and open areas.
• Duties include operating specialized plot-sized mechanical equipment including forage harvester seed combine rototill and other tillage equipment.
• Must be able to effectively communicate and take instructions from farm location coordinators and research scientists.
• Assistant manager must be attuned to the research process be detail oriented able to read research plot maps identify specific plots based upon the maps and perform maintenance and harvests on specific plots without error.
• Safe operation and transport of farm equipment require annual safety training and check with in-house safety committee.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Related experience operating farm equipment.
• Knowledge of weed control methods including tillage and chemical control.
• Must have effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS/MS degree in Agronomy/Plant Science/Agriculture Tech and Mechanization.
• 5 years of experience in similar position or operating farm equipment.
• Knowledge of research processes.
• Knowledge of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station farms and system.
• Current (or have had in past and can get current) pesticide applicators license.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to pleasantly interact with a wide variety of individuals.
• Ability to travel throughout area of responsibility consistent with university policy.
• Strong organizational time and project management skills

Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Along with the online application please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under Resume/CV
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Work is primarily performed outside. Whether or not the equipment has a cab the operator is constantly exposed to unpleasant noise levels and vibration and jolting from the tractor and towed vehicles. Outside work often exposes the operator to long periods of hot sun and occasionally to bad weather. May be exposed to chemical dust and sprays and may need to wear protective clothing and respirators. Must follow prescribed safety practices and use safety equipment to avoid injury and possible hazards in the work area.

Work requires frequent arm and leg movement to manipulate tractor controls. Performs light physical effort when coupling and uncoupling towed vehicles. Bending crawling and crouching may be required. Incumbents are required to lift push and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds. Must be able to sit on tractor for periods of time sometimes over rough terrain.

Founded in 1888 Utah State University is Utahs premier land-grant public service university. As an R1 research institution Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local regional and global communities. USU prepares students to be active civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education USU remains a leader in research discovery and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29800 students both online and in person atlocations throughout the state.Utah States 30 locations include a main campus in Logan Utah residential campuses in Price and Blanding and six additional statewide campuses along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season.The Aggies long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in womens volleyball three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in womens soccer conference championships and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics reflecting USUs commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected valued and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit hire and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education research discovery outreach and believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

The university provides aDual Career Assistance Programto support careers for partners who are also seeking is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability contact the universitys ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at or.

*updated 12/2025

In its programs and activities including in admissions and employment Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment based on race color religion sex national origin age genetic information sexual orientation gender identity disability status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by University policy Title IX or any other federal state or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring promotion transfer or termination based on race color religion sex national origin age genetic information sexual orientation gender identity disability status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal state or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race color religion sex familial status disability national origin source of income sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USUs non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination please visit or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

*updated 10/2025