Farm Laboratory Manager

The Farm Laboratory Manager is responsible for the daily operation, maintenance, and care of Ivy Techs educational farm used in the Agriculture and Precision Agriculture programs. This role leads all farming and maintenance efforts according to the direction and schedule set by the Farm Research Manager. The Farm Laboratory Manager works closely with faculty to ensure the farm is a functional, safe, and data-integrated environment for student learning and applied research. Major Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all operational aspects of the Ivy Tech farm laboratory, including equipment maintenance, crop operations, no-till planting, spraying, harvesting, and seasonal field preparation.
• Execute farming activities in alignment with the Farm Research Manager's direction and timeline, ensuring field and equipment readiness for academic labs and research use.
• Implement and maintain cover crop research plots in accordance with research plans and seasonal schedules.
• Work alongside Agriculture and Precision Agriculture faculty to support preparation for instructional labs and assist in collecting and maintaining accurate field data.
• Assist faculty with student instruction during laboratory activities involving farm equipment, including ride-alongs during planting, harvesting, chemical applications, and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain the farms physical infrastructure and coordinate necessary repairs, improvements, or routine maintenance to ensure ongoing functionality and safety.
• Maintain proper inventory, ordering, and cleanliness of the barns, including tools, supplies, and equipment storage.
• Support the integration and operation of data-driven systems including precision agriculture technologies, smart drainage systems, and field mapping tools.
• Operate and maintain a variety of farm equipment including tractors, combines, sprayers, planters, and other implements.
• Ensure all operations are compliant with applicable safety, environmental, and pesticide regulations.
• Assist with demonstrations, outreach events, and field days hosted on the farm.
• Maintain records of pesticide applications, equipment service logs, and operational calendars.
• Serve as a key point of contact for faculty, industry partners, and vendors interacting with the farm.

Benefits :

Excellent benefits, including voluntary benefits: medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, spouse/child life insurance, , LTD, STD, Identity Guard, etc.

Employer contribution annually to Health Savings Account.

No waiting period to enroll in benefits. Coverage starts on day 1.

Employer contribution to retirement plan. (10% of annual salary-employee contribution not required)

Paid time off: vacation and sick time accrued bi-weekly.

Paid holidays: 9 days plus winter break between December 25th and January 1st.

Free tuition for employee and dependents.

Professional Development opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in row-crop farming and farm management.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose, repair, and maintain farm equipment, implements, and systems.
• Ability to work outdoors in a physically demanding environment in varying weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for documentation, scheduling, and inventory.

Required Certifications (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire)

• Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• FAA Part 107 Drone Certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with precision agriculture tools and equipment.
• Previous experience supporting instructional or research-based farm operations.
• Familiarity with data logging, GPS guidance systems, and field mapping software.

Base Pay: $21.00 per hour

Valid License Required

Driving is an essential function of this position. 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 .

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 Colleges Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.