POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Assistant Farm Manager – West Plains
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 9400
GRADE 25
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Department Assigned Supervisor
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Assistant Farm Manager – West Plains will help lead day-to-day operations on at the Missouri State University-West Plains Wulff-Risner Agricultural Science Center. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone with practical experience in plant science and animal husbandry. The Assistant Farm Manager – West Plains will help manage crop and livestock production, supervise part-time and student workers and ensure the farm operates efficiently, safely, and sustainably.
MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education: An Associate’s Degree in Agriculture or a related field is required.
Experience: A minimum of 3 years of experience in an agricultural field is required.
Skills: Knowledge of crop management practices and livestock management practices are required. Proficiency in safely operating farm machinery and greenhouse/livestock equipment is required. Familiarity with farm management or record-keeping software is preferred. Experience with GAP, organic certification, or regenerative agriculture practices is preferred. Experience handling livestock is preferred.
Licenses: Valid driver’s license is required; a CDL is a plus. Pesticide Applicator License or willingness to obtain is preferred.
Effort: The ability to lift and carry livestock and farm supplies and equipment weighing fifty pounds or more on a regular basis, prolonged walking or standing, and frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching on a daily basis is required. A full range of physical motion in order to operate manual, electrically powered and/or gasoline-powered equipment and machines and to load cattle is required. The ability to access facilities and areas which may only be accessible by climbing stairs or by climbing ladders to a height of 15 feet is required. The ability to move throughout assigned areas, as the work is often performed out-of-doors, year-round is required.
Other: The scope of the position requires exposure to and use of chemical compounds for application on trees, crops, and grasses which may be hazardous and cause injury. Working outdoors and indoors year-round in varying weather and physical conditions is required. Must be willing to work nights and weekends as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Crop & Greenhouse Management:
1. Assists in planning and overseeing vegetable production from seed to harvest.2. Manages greenhouse growing systems, including seeding, transplanting, irrigation, fertigation, and climate control.
3. Monitors and responds to pest, disease, and nutrient issues using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
4. Operates and maintains equipment used in field and greenhouse production.
Livestock Management:
5. Assists with daily care and feeding of livestock and/or poultry.6. Monitors animal health and assists with veterinary care, vaccinations, and breeding programs.
7. Maintains clean and safe living conditions for all animals, including fencing, shelters, and handling facilities.
8. Supports rotational grazing, manure management, and pasture health practices.
9. Keeps detailed livestock records including feed logs, treatments, and production data.
General & Administrative:
10. Supervises and trains part-time and student farm staff. Participates in training, mentoring, and supervising employees working with livestock and performing other farm duties.11. Ensures compliance with food safety, animal welfare, agriculture regulations and university IACUC regulations.
12. Works extended hours as needed, including nights and weekends.
13. Communicates regularly with the Farm Manager to align goals, timelines, and resources.
14. Assists with research and educational activities by following verbal and written protocols and communicating effectively with Missouri State University-West Plains agricultural researchers and educators and the general public.
15. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required.
16. Supports the overall success of the West Plains Wulff-Risner Agricultural Science Center by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Assistant Farm Manager – West Plains participates in supervising and assigning the work of part-time staff and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
SEPTEMBER 2025