Farm Operations Foreperson

University of Idaho
University of Idaho

Operations

Posted on Sep 25, 2026

Position Details

Position Information
Internal Posting?
Posting Number SP005467P
Position Title Farm Operations Foreperson
Division/College College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department Palouse Research Center
Location Moscow
Posting Context Statement
Position Overview
The position provides lead-level coordination of dryland farming, agricultural research, foundation seed production, equipment maintenance, and farm operations at the center. Responsibilities include coordinating daily field and operational activities, training and supervising temporary employees, providing technical direction for agricultural equipment and farm operations, and serving as the acting operational lead in the absence of the Farm Operations Supervisor.

Duties may include:
  • Coordinate dryland farming, research, and foundation seed production activities
  • Operate, maintain, repair, weld, and fabricate agricultural equipment and machinery
  • Coordinate daily field operations, equipment use, maintenance, and work assignments
  • Train and supervise temporary employees and provide technical direction on equipment operation and farm activities
  • Manage foundation seed processing, records, inventory, and regulatory requirements
  • Manage Federal Excess Property inventory and related program requirements
  • Serve as acting operational lead in the absence of the Farm Operations Supervisor
  • Other duties as assigned
Unit URL
Position Qualifications
Required Experience
  • Two years of experience in agricultural production, farm operations, or a related field
  • Experience with dryland farming practices (e.g., soil preparation, planting, cultivation, pesticide application, crop maintenance, and harvesting)
  • Experience operating agricultural equipment and machinery (e.g., tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, trucks, and forklifts)
  • Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing agricultural equipment and machinery (e.g., routine maintenance, diagnosing mechanical problems, replacing parts, and performing repairs)
  • Experience with welding, cutting, fabrication, and metal repair (e.g., repairing equipment, machinery, vehicles, gates, or other metal structures)
  • Experience maintaining operational, equipment, maintenance, or seed production records (e.g., production records, equipment logs, maintenance records, and seed records)
Required Education
  • None
Required Other
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to meet requirements for driving university vehicles
  • Possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or obtain with six months of hire
  • Professional Pesticide Applicator License, or obtain within six months of hire
  • Forklift certification, or obtain within six months of hire
  • Ability to work nonstandard business hours, including weekends holidays, and overtime seasonally
Additional Preferred
  • Degree in agriculture, agronomy, mechanics, Agriculture system management or related field
  • Experience with foundation, breeder, or certified seed production and handling (e.g., planting, harvesting, cleaning, treating, processing, storage, and maintaining seed identity)
  • Effective communication skills for providing tours and interacting with customers
  • Knowledge of the requirements of field research
  • Knowledge of proper chemical application safety procedures
  • Experience in:
    • Working in a team environment to accomplish shared goals
    • Following good safety practices
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
  • Must be able to:
    • Work in adverse environmental conditions and with toxic chemicals
    • Sit for long periods of time in a tractor
    • Climb ladders, stairs, bend, and stoop
    • Lift, Carry, or otherwise move items weighing up to 75 pounds
    • Stand and walk continuously throughout the workday
    • Work in inclement weather conditions
Degree Requirement N/A: No degree requirement
Posting Information
FLSA Status Non-Exempt
Employee Category Classified
Pay Range $25 per hour or higher depending on experience
Type of Appointment Fiscal Year
FTE
1.0
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Funding
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. No
Posting Date 09/24/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications received by October 8, 2026, will receive first consideration.

IMPORTANT: To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” must address EACH of the required qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume WILL NOT be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.
Applicant Resources https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources
Background Check Statement
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement
The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Letter of Qualification
Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
    • Academic Careers
    • Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
    • Chronicle
    • Facebook
    • HigherEd/Academic Impressions
    • Higher Ed Jobs
    • Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
    • Indeed.com
    • Inside Higher Ed
    • LinkedIn
    • Newspaper
    • Other Venue
    • Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
    • University of Idaho Website
    • University of Idaho Daily Register
    • University of Idaho Employee
    • Word of Mouth
    • Militaryjob.com
    • DSPSjobs.com
    • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
  2. * Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department.

    (Open Ended Question)

  3. * Are you currently authorized to work in the United States of America?
    • Yes
    • No
  4. * Do you now, or in the future require sponsorship through the University of Idaho to continue working in the United States?
    • Yes
    • No
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