Plant Science Research Supervisor

The North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, seeks a qualified individual to fill the Plant Science Research Supervisor position. This position provides leadership for NCROC's plant science research team, with responsibilities that include supervising staff and students, coordinating land-use
planning, and managing rotational cropping systems that support plant and livestock research. The supervisor will collaborate closely with internal and external researchers to ensure research integrity and efficient use of resources. The position requires strong leadership and communication skills, the ability to balance multiple research priorities, and the initiative to foster a productive, collaborative, and safe work environment. This is a 12-month, full-time position that reports directly to the NCROC Director of Operations.

Specific Responsibilities include, but are not all inclusive:

1. Management and Coordination of Plant Science Activities (45%)
a. Develop, manage, and implement effective land and agricultural management plans for active research plots, rotational land, and livestock feedstock.
b. Oversee greenhouse use, activities, and infrastructure.
c. Serve as liaison between research projects and station staff, coordinating research requests and ensuring protocols are followed.
d. Allocate space for specific research projects in consultation with PIs and oversee implementation.
e. Maintain detailed records associated with plant science activities.
f. Support outreach activities for NCROC events and other engagement opportunities.

2. Supervision and Leadership (30%)
a. Direct and supervise 3-6 plant science research staff, technicians, equipment operators, and seasonal labor.
b. Provide mentorship, training, and performance reviews for team members.
c. Develop and implement performance management initiatives, professional development, and employee engagement activities.
d. Collaborate with other NCROC program leaders to align resources and support cross-program needs.
e. Maintain work hour records for students and summarize direct team work hours per research project.

3. Research Field Support and Data Management (25%)
a. Operate, maintain, and calibrate field plot equipment to meet research objectives (e.g., tillage, planting, fertilization, pesticide application, harvest).
b. Oversee collection and entry of research, cropping and weather data into multiple tracking systems.
c. Monitor progress of experiments, sample processing, and data collection to ensure compliance and accuracy.

Essential Qualifications
1. Bachelor's degree in a related field plus at least five years of relevant experience, including formal supervisory responsibility; OR advanced degree plus at least three years of relevant experience;
OR a combination of related education and work experience totaling at least nine years.
2. Experience with agricultural production practices.
3. Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience.

Preferred Qualifications
1. Evidence of effective communication and team collaboration.
2. Experience supervising diverse staff, including students and seasonal employees.
3. Ability to coordinate multiple research projects and balance competing priorities.
4. Must currently possess, or be able to obtain within the probationary period, a non-commercial pesticide application license and Class-A CDL MN Drivers license.
5. Experience with Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and/or Access

Pay Range: $62,000 - $67,600; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).