Job Details

Director, Farm Operations

Position Number: 6511268
Location: Merced, CA
Position Type: Agriculture - Agricultural Economics & Agribusiness

Director, Farm Operations

Salary: $88,283.00 - $137,120.00 Annually
Job Type:
Job Number: 20250826
Closing: 9/14/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Location: Merced College, CA
Department:

Management Range 9
Salary will be commensurate with education and experience

Additional compensation for doctorate

Specific Interview dates to be determined

Ready to join the transformation? Merced College is not your ordinary community college - we're pioneers of change, redefining the educational landscape and setting new standards for excellence! Nestled in the heart of California's dynamic Central Valley, Merced College is more than just a workplace - it's a gateway to limitless opportunities!

Innovation at its Finest: At Merced College innovation isn't just a buzzword - it's our way of life! We're committed to staying ahead of the curve with cutting-edge technology, transformative instructional practices, and unparalleled customer service. Join us as we pave the way for the "new" community college experience!

Invested in You: At the heart of Merced College's success are our dedicated employees. We prioritize employee well-being, happiness, and professional growth. With a culture of support and employee engagement initiatives, we ensure that every member of our team feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

About Us: Founded in 1962, Merced College boasts a rich history of academic excellence and community engagement. But we're not stopping there! We're on a mission to revolutionize the community college experience, blending tradition with innovation to create a dynamic learning environment unlike any other.

Location Perks: Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Merced is more than a workplace - it's a lifestyle. Enjoy life in a picturesque town with a vibrant community of 90,000+ and easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to be part of something truly extraordinary. Join the Merced College family today and embark on a journey of innovation, growth, and fulfillment! If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, fostering innovation, and empowering others to succeed, then Merced College invites you to join. Embrace the opportunity to be part of a dynamic community dedicated to shaping the future of higher education. Apply now and let's embark on this exciting journey together!

Merced College is seeking an innovative leader to oversee the development and management of its instructional farm, which is actively expanding to include both permanent crops (almonds, citrus, grapes, and stone fruit), annual row crops (vegetables, fruit, grains, and more), and livestock operations (sheep, goats, and beef cattle). The Director, Farm Operations will guide production practices, integrate technological advancements in modern agriculture, and ensure alignment with industry standards. This role includes overseeing equipment, infrastructure, and livestock care; supporting applied learning opportunities for students; and collaborating with the Ag Innovation Center to connect farm production with cutting-edge food and ag technologies. The successful candidate will bring a forward-thinking approach and broad agricultural expertise to build a farm that serves as a hub for innovation, workforce training, and industry partnerships in California's Central Valley.

Merced College Vision

Merced College will provide transformative and empowering educational experiences to meet student and community needs.

Merced College Mission

Growing our community through education and workforce training:

lifelong learning
basic skills
career technical education
transfer
degree/certificate programs

Ensuring student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, institutional effectiveness, and student achievement.
General Description:
This is a classified administrative position under the direction of the Dean of Instruction who oversees Agriculture and Industrial Technology, the Director, Farm Operations is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the Merced College instructional farm. This includes oversight of production agriculture in permanent and annual crops, planning and implementation of cultural practices, equipment and infrastructure management, and close coordination with instructional programs and the Ag Innovation Center. The role also includes marketing and outreach efforts for farm products through the Farm Market and other channels, development of industry partnerships, and ensuring alignment with regional workforce and educational goals.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions:

Oversee the planning, planting, maintenance, and harvesting of permanent and annual crops in alignment with instructional needs and industry standards
Lead the implementation of best management practices in irrigation, fertility, pest management, pruning, and harvesting
Collaborate with faculty to ensure the farm supports academic programs and student learning, including demonstration plots, internships, and lab activities
Develop and maintain strong relationships with industry partners, local growers, and vendors to support applied learning, workforce development, and future collaborations
Provide strategic input and operational support to the Ag Innovation Center and its food processing rooms, ensuring farm-grown products align with educational and market opportunities
Manage year-round Farm Market operations, including planning of crop production to supply the market and coordinating with instructional and marketing staff
Supervise and evaluate farm staff, student workers, and seasonal laborers, ensuring high standards of productivity, safety, and professional development
Monitor and maintain farm equipment and facilities, including service scheduling, repairs, and infrastructure upgrades
Prepare and manage operational budgets; track expenditures, forecast needs, and ensure cost-effective practices
Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local laws related to agriculture, safety, labor, and environmental standards
Maintain accurate records on crop production, chemical use, equipment maintenance, and financial performance
Serve on college committees and work closely with college leadership to align farm operations with institutional goals
Coordinate farm use for college events, tours, and community engagement activities
Respond to emergencies and critical issues, as needed, to ensure farm continuity and safety
Other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

Cultural practices and production systems for both permanent crops (e.g. almonds, citrus, grapes) and annual crops (e.g. vegetables, grains)
Seasonal planning, crop rotations, and integrated pest management
Agricultural business operations, farm product marketing, and regulatory compliance
Maintenance and safe operation of farm equipment and infrastructure
Workforce development and educational partnerships with industry
Compliance standards from agencies such as DPR, USDA, CDFA, and local Ag Commissioners
Recordkeeping systems related to agriculture, budgeting, and inventory control
DEIA principles in educational and agricultural settings

Ability to:

Lead and manage a dynamic, educational farm operation that serves both instructional and community-facing functions
Coordinate closely with faculty and college leadership to align farm activities with curriculum and workforce priorities
Build and maintain strong industry and community partnerships
Mentor students and support experiential learning opportunities
Communicate effectively across multiple audiences, including industry, students, staff, and the public
Make strategic decisions regarding crop selection, budgeting, and labor allocation
Adapt to evolving needs of the Ag Innovation Center and the agricultural industry
Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree from an acceptable accredited institution in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field AND two (2) years of industry experience OR Associate's degree in a related field AND four (4) years of industry experience OR Six (6) years of direct agricultural operations experience without a degree.

License or Certificate:
A valid California Class "C" driver's license. Travel to locations throughout the District may be required. Ability to obtain a Qualified Applicators License (QAL) within six (6) months of employment.

Desired Qualifications:

Master's degree in a related field.
Experience in farm management for both permanent and annual crop operations.
Pest Control Advisor (PCA) License.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mccd

Required Documentation:

Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)
Resume
List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)
Legible unofficial college transcripts (undergraduate and graduate); transcripts must include the degree major and date the institution granted the degree; official copies are not required unless applicant is hired
Diversity Statement: The Merced College District has a diverse staff and student population. As such, applicants must demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and the community at large. Please describe your leadership efforts and professional experience promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in a work setting. Please do not include any personally identifying information. Limit your response to one (1) page.
If applicable, foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation completed by an approved organization.
If applicable, Equivalency Review Form (Required for applicants who do not possess the stated minimum educational qualifications and are seeking consideration on the basis of equivalency) https://www.mccd.edu/about-merced-college/divisions/human-resources/equivalency/

Only the required documentation as listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.

Interview Information:

Applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to participate in onsite oral interviews conducted by a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward to the interview stage.
Employee Benefits:
Employee Benefits: Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee's only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.

Condition of Employment:
The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office.
Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mccd/jobs/5056273/director-farm-operations