Farm Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary:

Under the general direction of the Dean of the College of Agriculture, the Farm Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the 800-acre University Farm and 249-acre Meridian Range property. As a member of the college's leadership team, the Farm Director ensures that farm operations, resources, and financial activities align with college and university priorities.

The Farm Director advances the Farm as a dynamic "living laboratory" and a center of excellence for experiential learning, applied research, and workforce development in agriculture. In collaboration with the Dean, Associate Dean, program coordinator, faculty, and staff, the incumbent integrates farm operations with academic programs to enhance student success, innovation, and industry relevance.

Working in coordination with Chico State Enterprises (CSE), the position ensures sound fiscal management and compliance. The role also leads long-range planning, innovation, and resource development to support sustainable operations, infrastructure improvements, and the continued growth and impact of the College of Agriculture.

Required Education and Experience:

A Master's degree in animal science, plant science, agricultural business, agriculture systems, or similar discipline.
AND
At least five years experience in farm management, agricultural business, or extension-like services.

Preferences:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills: 

• Experience managing university farms or other complex agricultural enterprises.
• Experience working within the CSU or another higher education institution.
• Working knowledge of California's agricultural regulatory environment, including compliance with state and federal requirements governing agricultural operations.
• Experience securing grants, philanthropic support, or other external funding for agricultural programs or facilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading innovation, diversifying enterprises, or implementing emerging technologies and sustainable practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, workforce development, and inclusive excellence.

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm, Summer: Mon-Thurs 7:00am-5:30pm 

Anticipated Hiring Range:  Not to exceed $164,000 per year.  Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance).  For more information please visit https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

Additional Information:

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive.

This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines. Incumbent is responsible for the safety and security of Level 1 data, sometimes also referred to as Level 1 protected data. This is confidential information that is in most cases protected by statutes, regulations, or other legal mandates.

The person holding this position is considered a "General 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 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment. (Check)

This position is a Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) designated managerial position and comes under the Management Personnel Plan (MPP) of the California State University.  Individuals appointed to management positions serve at the pleasure of the President or designee.  They are excluded from the collective bargaining process, are not subject to probationary service, and do not receive tenure or permanent status.  This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The duties of this position will include participation in a decision that may have a material/financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, this is a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code and the incumbent will be required to file a Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest and is subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.  (Designated Position Groups: Farm Manager - Category 1, 2, 5).

A valid California Driver's license is required and must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

About Chico State:

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, "Today Decides Tomorrow," is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century. 

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus.  We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Chico State is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

CSU, Chico's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 07/29/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)