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Trainee Farm Manager Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Trainee Farm Manager information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$20

$35

How much do trainee farm manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee farm manager in Raleigh, NC is $20.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $23.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trainee farm manager do?

A Trainee Farm Manager assists with the daily operations of a farm while learning the skills needed to eventually manage it independently. Their duties typically include supervising farm workers, monitoring crops or livestock, maintaining equipment, and learning about budgeting and resource management. The position is designed to provide hands-on training and experience in farm management, often under the guidance of a senior manager. Over time, trainees gain the knowledge required to oversee all aspects of farm production and administration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee farm manager?

To thrive as a Trainee Farm Manager, you need a solid understanding of agricultural practices, crop and livestock management, and often a relevant degree or diploma in agriculture or farm management. Familiarity with farm management software, machinery operation, and compliance certifications such as health and safety are commonly expected. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills help you effectively coordinate farm activities and work with diverse teams. These abilities ensure efficient farm operations, regulatory compliance, and successful adaptation to the dynamic challenges of modern agriculture.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee farm managers during their first year on the job?

Trainee Farm Managers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced seasonal demands of farm operations, understanding complex machinery, and learning to manage diverse teams of workers. Additionally, they must quickly develop problem-solving skills to address unexpected issues like weather changes or equipment breakdowns. Gaining familiarity with compliance regulations and farm management software can also be demanding, but these challenges are valuable learning opportunities that help trainees become effective future farm managers.

What is the difference between Trainee Farm Manager vs Farm Supervisor?

AspectTrainee Farm ManagerFarm Supervisor
CredentialsBasic agricultural certifications, relevant courseworkExperience in farm operations, possibly some certifications
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, training programs, mentorshipSupervising daily farm activities, overseeing workers
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level training roles in agricultureOperational oversight in farms, often in larger agricultural settings

The main difference is that a Trainee Farm Manager is in a learning phase, focusing on gaining management skills, while a Farm Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily farm operations. The Trainee Farm Manager is often in training, whereas the Farm Supervisor has more hands-on experience managing staff and tasks.

How hard is it to become a trainee farm manager?

Becoming a trainee farm manager typically requires a background in agriculture or related fields, along with practical experience in farming operations. Many positions prefer candidates with some knowledge of farm equipment, crop management, or livestock care, and may require relevant certifications or training programs. The role often serves as an entry point for those seeking to develop managerial skills in farming environments.

What job categories do people searching Trainee Farm Manager jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Farm Manager jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Trainee Farm Manager jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Trainee Farm Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Farm Manager job openings in Raleigh, NC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,762 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Row Crop Entomology

Raleigh, NC • On-site

NCSU
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

$66K - $80K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide statewide leadership in arthropod management for North Carolina row crop production, focusing on sweetpotato, peanut, and soybean.

  • Translate research into practical pest management recommendations and connect with growers, industry stakeholders, and professionals through field days, programming, and digital tools.

  • Support the growth and development of graduate students and other trainees through mentorship, research guidance, and professional development opportunities.


North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

463rd of 633 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194828EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Row Crop Entomology Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience ($85,000 - $97,000) Work Schedule Core Business Hours (Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm) schedule will vary based on extension and research needs. Job Location Raleigh, NC Department Entomology and Plant Pathology About the Department
As part of the Land Grant University, the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at North Carolina State University is composed of over 40 faculty that direct a diverse portfolio of programs in teaching, research, and extension. Collectively, these strengths not only serve our clientele and our science but also provide a rich environment for graduate education and training that can be tailored to the specific career interests of the student, irrespective of whether they prefer training in the basic sciences or are preparing for a career in extension. Our education and research programs provide graduate and undergraduate students with unique hands-on learning opportunities using the latest technologies. Entomology and Plant Pathology houses the Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, the Larry Grand Mycological Herbarium, Micropropagation and Repository Unit, Structural Pest Management Training Facility, an Insect Museum with 1.9 million vouchered insects, and the Center for Integrated Fungal Research. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences houses 12 Academic departments with 294faculty, 2,891 undergraduate students and 899 graduate students. The College is home to 18 research stations strategically located across the state that enhances our interactions with our farmers, stakeholders, and industry partners.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor (12-month) to provide statewide leadership in arthropod management for North Carolina row crop production, with a focus on sweetpotato, peanut, and soybean. The position is 70% Extension and 30% research, connecting applied research, grower needs, and emerging technologies to strengthen sustainable pest management across North Carolina agriculture.
You'll have the opportunity to build on your expertise in row crop entomology, integrated pest management, pest ecology, and insecticide resistance while shaping innovative approaches to pest prediction, decision support, and resistance management. Your work may draw on field experimentation, landscape-scale studies, pest monitoring, and data-driven tools, including artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, remote sensing, and drones. Through your research and Extension program, you'll translate new knowledge into practical solutions that help growers and agricultural professionals make informed, sustainable pest management decisions.

Key responsibilities fall within the following functional areas.

Extension & Outreach:
  • Shape a statewide Extension program that helps North Carolina growers address arthropod pest challenges in major row crops, including sweetpotato, peanut, and soybean.
  • Translate research into practical recommendations that help growers, consultants, and industry stakeholders make informed pest management decisions.
  • Connect with agricultural professionals and growers through field days, Extension programming, and innovative digital decision-support tools.
  • Build strong partnerships with commodity groups, Extension agents, and state and federal partners to address emerging arthropod management challenges.
  • Support the growth and development of graduate students and other trainees through mentorship, research guidance, and professional development opportunities.
  • Strengthen agricultural workforce capacity by developing training and professional development opportunities for Extension agents, consultants, and agricultural professionals.
  • Advance adoption of integrated pest management through innovative technologies and decision-support tools that translate research into practical solutions for North Carolina agriculture.
Research & Discovery:
  • Build an applied, externally funded research program that responds to grower needs and strengthens the impact of your Extension work.
  • Advance understanding of pest ecology and management through field- and landscape-scale research addressing current and emerging crop protection challenges.
  • Share new knowledge and practical solutions through peer-reviewed publications, Extension resources, and other scholarly contributions.
  • Secure and steward extramural funding to advance applied research and strengthen the impact of Extension priorities.
Mentorship, Teaching & Service:
  • Mentor graduate students and other trainees through research guidance, professional development, and career preparation.
  • Contribute to undergraduate and graduate instruction through teaching courses and supporting the department's educational mission.
  • Contribute expertise and perspective through departmental, college, university, and professional service activities.
If you are a collaborative entomologist who enjoys connecting research with real-world agricultural challenges, building strong relationships with growers and partners, and developing innovative solutions for sustainable crop protection, we encourage you to apply.

Other Responsibilities
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there will be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department, college and university operations.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
PhD in entomology or equivalent degree
Other Required Qualifications
  • Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) principles and their application to agronomic cropping systems.
  • Expertise in pest ecology and management across field, landscape, and broader agroecosystem scales.
  • Advanced understanding of insecticide resistance mechanisms and proven capability in developing and applying innovative resistance management strategies.
  • Technical experience with AI, precision agriculture, remote sensing, drones, or other emerging technologies applied to crop protection.

Preferred Qualifications
Extension experience in Row Crop Entomology
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
NC Pesticide License
NC Driver's License
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 08/28/2026 Anticipated Close Date 12/1/2026; if posting is still active we are still accepting and reviewing applications Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include the following as a part of your application packet.
1. CV
2. Cover Letter
3. Research Statement (2 page max)
4. Extension Statement (Other document 1) (2 page max)
5. Contact information for References

Position Details
Position Number 00105789 Position Type Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 111801 - Entomology and Plant Pathology EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887