Part-time Research Manager - Agriculture

Ivy Tech Community College - Lafayette is seeking a part-time Agriculture Research Manager to manage and supervise research conducted on the college's 60-acre student farm. This role, by direction of the Agriculture Program Chair, plans and oversees research plots, coordinates data collection and reporting, supports grant-funded projects, and works closely with the Farm Manager, faculty, students, and industry/government partners to advance applied agricultural research.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Research Management

• Plan research plots and assist with farm operation activities related to research.
• Collect and oversee collection of research data; manage and report data and project outcomes.
• Report to and regularly collaborate with the Agriculture Program Chair on long-term planning and assessment of research projects.
• Identify and pursue new research initiatives, partnerships, and funding opportunities to support expansion or improvement of programs.
• Maintain accurate records of expenditures and work hours related to grants; meet regularly with appropriate Ivy Tech staff to complete required grant reporting.
• Work with industry and government partners to plan and carry out applied research activities, including grant and budget management.
• Attend conferences associated with industry and government research partners pending available funding.
• Work closely with the Farm Manager to oversee implementation of research plots.
• Communicate with Ivy Tech faculty to incorporate students into research activities.
• Provide direction to lab technicians assisting with research activities and data collection.
• Conduct all activities with appreciation and respect for diversity of people, styles, and views, and promote this as an integral part of the work.

Farm and Lab Operations

• Coordinate with the Agriculture Program Chair and/or faculty on special projects involving the 60-acre farmland and horticulture labs, ensuring labs and equipment are properly set up for research activities.
• Coordinate with the Farm Manager on machinery use, planting, and treatment schedules (harvest, fertilizer, pesticide application) as they relate to research plots.
• Inspect research plots and report crop yield and research-related data.
• Ensure formal documentation of all research-related farm activity is maintained.

This list of duties is not exhaustive. Other duties logically associated with the position may be assigned.

The incoming employee must hold a valid Indiana driver's license and complete the Driver Approval Form to obtain authorization from the Systems Office for operating any College-owned, leased, or rented vehicles as part of their job responsibilities.

Compensation for this position is $20.00 per hour with a maximum of 28 hours per week.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong background in agronomy and precision agriculture.
• Hardworking, dependable, team-oriented, and good communication skills
• Computer literate with good knowledge of Excel
• Familiarity with row crop agricultural equipment
• Familiarity with UAVs (or willingness to learn)

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in a related field
• Experience managing grant-funded research projects and reporting.
• Experience supervising staff or student research assistants.
• Experience operating farm machinery and equipment.
• Qualifies as faculty in Agriculture per School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science criteria.
• FAA Part 107 License and Commercial Pesticide Application license (or willingness to attain them upon hire)

Working Conditions

• Regular outdoor work on active farmland in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to operate farm machinery and equipment safely.
• Some travel required for conferences with industry and government partners.

Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our part-time employees. These benefits include:

Health & Wellness

• Access to a comprehensive vision care plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses

• Employee Assistance Program offering no cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources

Financial & Retirement Benefits

• All employees can contribute pre-tax or post-tax dollars through payroll deduction to build retirement savings

Educational Benefits

• Fee remission for employees, spouses, and legal dependents.

For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.