Director Of Farm Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of University Farm Operations
(Administrator II)

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated hiring salary is $110,000 - $130,000 per year and is competitive and negotiable depending on the strength of qualifications. This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 15 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

The Director of University Farm Operations serves in a full-time, twelve-month management position (MPP) and reports to the Dean of the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (Jordan College), with overall oversight by the Provost. The Director of University Farm Operations serves as the primary administrator responsible for the University Agricultural Laboratory, which encompasses Agricultural Operations and UAL Enterprises that serve as the field-based laboratory for our instruction, research, outreach, and community engagement. Key responsibilities include business administration, strategic planning and implementation to ensure that the UAL effectively meets the mission of the Jordan College; ensuring the overall financial health and long-term fiscal sustainability of the UAL; and effective management, supervision, and collaboration with department chairs, faculty, staff and community members when needed to meet operational needs.

Position Summary:

Provides leadership for the overall operation of the UAL. Management and supervisory duties include:
Managing the overall financial health and long-term fiscal sustainability of the University Agricultural Laboratory (UAL).
Developing, implementing, and tracking budgets for enterprise units to align with available funding and operational needs.
Managing and supervising UAL staff including: hiring and training of employees; developing, updating, and aligning position descriptions for staff and enterprise unit managers; planning and directing work among the various UAL employees; providing clear goals, expectations, and feedback to individuals and teams; conducting employee performance reviews; and working with human resources to address complaints, grievances, and corrective or disciplinary actions when necessary.
Ensuring the upkeep, safety, functionality, and professional appearance of UAL lands, facilities, infrastructure, and enterprise units.
Determining the types of materials, supplies, machinery, tools and contracted services to be used, with attention to cost effectiveness and safety.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles of financial planning, budget forecasting, profit/loss analysis, and budget processes.
• General knowledge of current regulations to ensure farm activities comply with government regulations.
• Knowledge of pests and diseases and an understanding of how they spread and how to treat them.
• Knowledge of health and safety standards applicable to farming.
• Knowledge of modern farming methods including sustainability efforts and maintaining biodiversity.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of effective management and supervision, motivation, performance evaluation, progressive discipline and grievance procedures.
• Knowledge of computer office systems and ability to use technology, systems, and software packages (Microsoft Office Suite, Google apps).
• Skills/Ability to:
  • Ability to develop and implement short and long-term plans and initiatives to meet established development goals and objectives.
  • Ability to articulate performance expectations to staff, developing objectives and strategies as they relate to established goals.
  • Organizational and time-management skills with the ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks and projects under competing deadlines and maintain flexibility in response to constantly shifting priorities.
  • Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with ability to engage with different levels and communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to exercise sound administrative judgment and initiative in the development of new methods and procedures and in the solution of difficult personnel problems.
  • Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and make strategic business decisions.
  • Ability to compile, write, and present reports.
  • Ability to foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the university.
  • Interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and ability to collaborate across organizational units and structures.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business or agriculture-related field from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
  • Business or agricultural business degree with 2 or more years of farm management experience in diversified farming or ranching operation; OR
  • Agriculture-related degree with 5 or more years of business/management experience in a diversified, complex operation.
• Applicants must possess an unrestricted California driver's license and must meet California State University, Fresno's safe driving criteria.
  • Preferred Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:
    • Master's degree in a business or agriculture related field
    • Formal training in accounting practices.
    • Experience in cost management, employee safety, regulatory compliance, and project management.
    • Experience in systems management.
    • Experience in utilizing generative Artificial Intelligence and/or other technology tools to optimize processes, analysis, and performance.

Department Summary

The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State is shaping the future of one of the world's most productive agricultural regions by developing global decision-makers in food and agriculture.

We accomplish this by encouraging, equipping, and enabling faculty, staff, and students to create innovative, scientifically sound, and sustainable solutions to agri-food, technological, and environmental challenges in California, our nation, and the world.

Deadline & Application Instructions

Applications received by June 28, 2026 will be given full consideration by the search committee.

• Applications received after that date will be forwarded at the request of the Hiring Manager and/or search committee.

Please click "Apply Now" to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resume/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 22 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

COVID19 Vaccination Policy

Per the CSU COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, it is strongly recommended that all employees who are accessing office and campus facilities follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications.  Questions may be sent to hr@csufresno.edu.

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)