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 plans and oversees research plots, coordinates data collection and reporting, supports grant-funded projects, and collaborates with the Farm Manager, faculty, students, and industry/government partners.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Conduct all activities with appreciation and respect for diversity of people, styles, and views, and promote this as an integral part of the work.

Requirements

• 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).
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and authorization to operate College-owned, leased, or rented vehicles.

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.

Pay

$20.00 per hour with a maximum of 28 hours per week.

Benefits

• 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.