The University of Minnesota’s Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) in Waseca, Minnesota is seeking a skilled and passionate Agricultural Crop Research and Land Supervisor to lead their agricultural crop research team. Paying $31.00 to $33.00 per hour, this full-time, 100% in-person leadership position manages daily field, crop, and facility operations supporting agricultural, horticultural, and livestock research, education, and outreach — all in direct service of SROC’s mission to advance sustainable agriculture and meaningful community engagement across Minnesota and beyond.
About University of Minnesota SROC — Advancing Sustainable Agriculture
Institution: University of Minnesota — one of the largest public research universities in the United States
Center: Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) — Waseca, Minnesota
Mission: Advancing sustainable agriculture through cutting-edge field research, education, and community outreach
Research Areas: Agricultural crops, horticulture, livestock research, and precision agriculture technologies
Recognition: Named a Star Tribune Top Workplace and Forbes Best Employer — consistently recognized for workplace excellence
Salary, Pay Rate & Position Type
Pay Range: $31.00 to $33.00 per hour — based on education, qualifications, and experience
Appointment: 100% Full-Time Appointment — year-round stable position
Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff
Application Deadline: Priority deadline for applicants — May 12, 2026 — early applications receive priority review
Position Overview
The Agricultural Crop Research and Land Supervisor at University of Minnesota SROC in Waseca, Minnesota is a senior leadership role that combines hands-on agricultural field management with research collaboration, team supervision, and public outreach — all in one comprehensive, impactful position. Reporting directly to the SROC Director of Operations, this professional leads a team of 3+ staff members, manages active research plots and rotational land operations, serves as the primary liaison for faculty and principal investigators, and champions SROC’s community engagement mission through field days and educational programming. If you are an experienced agricultural leader searching for Agricultural Land Supervisor jobs in Waseca, Minnesota or broader Minnesota in 2026, this outstanding $31–$33/hr university-supported position offers exceptional benefits, professional growth, and the chance to contribute directly to the future of sustainable American agriculture.
Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Land Supervisor at University of Minnesota SROC, you directly lead field crop research operations that advance sustainable agriculture across Minnesota and the Midwest, manage a diverse team of researchers, technicians, students, and seasonal staff in a dynamic university agricultural research environment, serve as the key liaison between research faculty, principal investigators, and field operations teams ensuring research excellence, leverage cutting-edge precision agriculture technologies including GIS, UAV, and multispectral crop assessment in a world-class research setting, and represent SROC in community partnerships, extension outreach, and public agricultural education programming that makes a real difference in Minnesota’s farming communities.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Land Management
- Develop, manage, and implement effective land and agricultural management plans for active research plots, rotational land, and livestock feedstock production at the SROC Waseca facility
- Oversee and coordinate the planning and implementation of all agricultural and research operations including tillage, planting, pest management, harvest, and feedstock production for livestock research programs
- Develop and manage annual land-use and crop rotation plans in close coordination with research faculty, research leads, and the SROC Director of Operations
- Maintain accurate records of land use and cropping activities using digital logs and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for reporting to collegiate, university leadership, and government agencies
- Manage procurement of all supplies, cropping inputs, and services necessary to sustain continuous and efficient SROC field operations throughout the growing season
Supervision & Team Leadership
- Direct and supervise a team of 3+ permanent and temporary staff members, students, and seasonal employees involved in all agricultural and horticultural operations at SROC Waseca
- Work with the Director of Operations to ensure adequate labor including seasonal staff is hired, trained, and assigned to complete daily field tasks safely and efficiently
- Provide structured training, constructive performance feedback, and meaningful professional development opportunities for all team members across the crop research program
- Foster strong teamwork, open communication, and a collaborative culture across all areas of agricultural crop research and other interconnected SROC programs and departments
Research Support & Collaboration
- Serve as the primary liaison between research faculty, program leads, technicians, equipment operators, and students to plan and implement all rotational field and active research activities
- Operate, maintain, and calibrate field and plot equipment to meet research objectives and rotational acre production goals with precision and operational efficiency
- Ensure proper setup, rigorous management, and accurate data collection for all research plots and rotational acres while maintaining smooth operational flow across the facility
- Act as the SROC contact point for all cropping and land-based research requests submitted by faculty and principal investigators (PIs) seeking to use SROC resources for their research projects
Outreach, Safety & Compliance
- Lead and participate in crop research and SROC outreach efforts including field days, community events, and educational programming that translate research into public engagement opportunities
- Represent SROC in community partnerships, university collaborations, and outreach initiatives that strengthen Minnesota’s agricultural research and extension education mission
- Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and university safety standards applicable to SROC operations — serving as an active member of the SROC Safety Committee
- Maintain and promote safe work practices across all SROC departments including training delivery, hazard awareness programs, and equipment operation safety protocols
Qualifications & Requirements
Required Qualifications
- BA/BS degree plus at least 5 years of relevant agricultural or horticultural experience — OR — an advanced degree plus at least 3 years of relevant experience — OR — a combination of education and relevant work experience totaling at least 9 years
- Demonstrated leadership in agricultural or horticultural research, production, or management settings with proven ability to supervise and direct field teams effectively
- Experience managing research, greenhouse, or agricultural production activities and operations in a professional or institutional setting
- Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams and adapt to dynamic operational needs throughout the growing season
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in agricultural research environments or university-based field operations — particularly within land-grant university research station or extension settings
- Familiarity with 21st century precision agriculture technologies including automation, UAV (drone), multispectral crop assessment, greenhouse systems, GIS integration, and research data tracking systems
- Supervisory experience leading teams of more than 3 workers in agricultural or horticultural settings including management of seasonal, student, and temporary staff members
- Experience leading outreach, extension, or public engagement activities in agriculture or horticulture — including field days, community events, and educational programming
- Currently possess or be able to obtain within the probationary period a non-commercial pesticide application license applicable to Minnesota agricultural operations
Application Deadline — Act Now!
Priority Deadline: May 12, 2026 — applications received by this date receive priority review and consideration
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online through the University of Minnesota employment portal
Documents Required: Resume required + cover letter preferred — attach via “My Job Applications” portal after initial submission
Note: This position is NOT eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship and does not offer a STEM OPT training program
Accommodation: Contact employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647 to request application process accommodation
Outstanding University of Minnesota Benefits Package
Pay & Time Off: Competitive $31–$33/hr wages + paid holidays + generous paid time off
Health: Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans + healthcare FSA + University HSA contributions
Financial: Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution + financial counseling + Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Education: Regents Tuition Benefit Program — continuous learning through professional training and degree-seeking programs
Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Program (8 free counseling sessions) + employee wellbeing program + disability and employer-paid life insurance
Transit: Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
About University of Minnesota SROC
The University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) in Waseca, Minnesota is a premier agricultural research and outreach facility committed to advancing sustainable agriculture through rigorous field research, community education, and extension programming. As part of one of the largest and most respected public research universities in the United States, SROC provides researchers, faculty, and community partners with world-class facilities, equipment, and expertise to drive meaningful progress in crop science, horticulture, and livestock production. The University of Minnesota has been consistently recognized by Forbes and the Star Tribune as a top employer — making this an outstanding career destination for agricultural and horticultural research professionals across Minnesota and the broader Midwest.
Diversity: The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Who Should Apply?
- Experienced Agricultural Supervisors: With BA/BS + 5 years or advanced degree + 3 years of agricultural research or production management experience in Minnesota or the Midwest
- University Agricultural Research Professionals: With experience in land-grant university field research station operations, crop rotation planning, and faculty liaison responsibilities
- Precision Agriculture Specialists: Familiar with GIS, UAV, multispectral imaging, and digital crop tracking technologies seeking a university research leadership role
- Agricultural Team Leaders: With proven experience supervising teams of 3+ workers including seasonal staff, students, and technicians in field research or production settings
- Sustainable Agriculture Advocates: Passionate about advancing crop science, community outreach, and sustainable farming practices through university-based research and education
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