Agriculture Manager I (Safford, AZ)

The Safford Agricultural Center is seeking an Agriculture Manager I to serve as the on-site facility caretaker and manager of Center operations. Under the general supervision of the Director, this position is responsible for the maintenance, repair, security, and overall operational readiness of facilities, buildings, equipment, grounds, and infrastructure at the Safford Agricultural Center. The incumbent resides on-site and oversees facility operations while supporting agricultural field activities, supervising staff, coordinating Department of Corrections labor resources, and assisting with research, teaching, and service activities conducted at the Center. This position provides leadership, operational planning, and technical expertise to ensure the facility remains safe, functional, and supportive of agricultural research and outreach programs.

Located just outside of Safford in Graham County, this 63-acre agricultural center has been a performance testing site for the long-staple cotton breeding program and other crop varietals for more than 70 years. The Safford Agricultural Center was acquired with state and Graham County Farm Bureau funds in 1946. Since its inception, the facility has provided research and service to farmers across southeastern Arizona, including Graham, Greenlee, and Cochise counties. The Center has made specific contributions to raising crops under the same saline conditions local growers face. The founders chose the site deliberately because of the unfavorable salinity and highly alkaline characteristics in its soil and water. The facility also provides the infrastructure for Cooperative Extension agricultural research and education throughout the southeastern part of the state and has meteorological monitoring infrastructure that has reported weather information to local, state, and national agencies for more than 70 years.

This position requires on-site residence.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Facility Caretaking, Maintenance, and Property Management:

• Serve as the on-site caretaker responsible for the daily operation, security, maintenance, and appearance of the Safford Agricultural Center.
• Coordinate and perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance of buildings, residences, shops, greenhouses, irrigation systems, equipment, roads, fences, utilities, and grounds.
• Conduct facility inspections, identify repair needs, coordinate maintenance projects, and oversee contracted services when necessary.
• Maintain records related to facility maintenance, equipment inventory, and operational activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and operational standards.

Agricultural Operations and Field Support:

• Assist with agricultural field operations and support faculty research, teaching, and extension activities conducted at the Center.
• Participate in crop production activities as needed, including irrigation, planting, cultivation, harvesting, equipment operation, and field preparation.
• Monitor agricultural infrastructure and equipment to ensure operational readiness and support successful research outcomes.

Staff Supervision, Training, and Labor Coordination:

• Train, supervise, and direct the daily work of agricultural workers and provide co-supervision and oversight of assigned Department of Corrections labor personnel.
• Establish work priorities, assign tasks, monitor performance, and provide guidance to ensure the safe and efficient completion of assigned duties.
• Promote adherence to safety protocols and operational procedures.

Program Coordination, Planning, and Stakeholder Support:

• Coordinate operational needs with researchers, Cooperative Extension personnel, faculty, staff, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Assist with planning and implementing operational goals, facility improvements, and resource utilization.
• Communicate facility status, maintenance priorities, and operational issues to Center leadership and support the successful execution of research and outreach programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of agricultural operations, crop production practices, irrigation systems, and farm infrastructure.
• Knowledge of equipment operation, maintenance procedures, and safe work practices.
• Skill in supervising, training, and directing the work of employees and assigned labor crews.
• Skill in troubleshooting facility, equipment, and operational issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to manage facility operations with limited direct oversight.
• Ability to establish productive working relationships with faculty, researchers, staff, contractors, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to operate computer systems and standard business software applications.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of related work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Experience with agricultural research farm operations, including irrigation system management and maintenance.
• Previous experience with building maintenance trades including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and mechanical systems.
• Arizona Pest Management certification, or the ability to obtain certification.