Description

The Agricultural Research Stations in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is seeking a forward thinking leader to be the next Superintendent of our Spooner Agricultural Research Station.  Located in Northwestern Wisconsin, the Spooner Station serves UW faculty in seeking tomorrows answers on this unique soil type.  In this role, you will work closely with faculty, technicians and students to deliver impeccable and repeatable research outcomes.  The Superintendent is also responsible for the day to day cropping plans of the station and seeks to develop new ways that the station can serve our research teams and the public. 

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, or a closely related field.
• Experience managing agricultural or horticultural operations and applying research-based practices (e.g., Oversight of crop rotation schedules, irrigation systems, and pest management plans on a research farm)
• Experience applying leadership and team management skills that includes effort fostering collaboration and accountability (e.g., Supervising seasonal and full-time staff and coordinating daily field activities to meet research timelines)
• Experience providing effective verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to convey technical information clearly  (e.g., Preparing detailed reports for faculty and presenting findings at research meetings)
• Valid driver’s license meeting UW Risk Management standards
• Certified pesticide applicator (Must have certification at hire or be able to obtain within 6 months of hire)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, or a related discipline (e.g., Masters in Soil Science with thesis research on nutrient management strategies)
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating research projects in an agricultural setting (e.g., Leading a team in implementing experimental plots and ensuring compliance with research protocols)
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making, particularly in dynamic field environments (e.g., Quickly adjusting planting schedules due to unexpected weather conditions or equipment failure)

Education:

• Bachelors Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Soil Science or related field Required. 
• Masters Degree Preferred