"Director, Foundation Seed and Parma Station"

The Director of the University of Idaho Foundation Seed Program (FSP) is responsible for managing a state-wide, $1.5 million program to produce quality Foundation Class seed of crop varieties released through and/or maintained by the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station (IAES). The program operates to produce and condition a wide variety of crops at research and extension centers throughout the state.

The Director coordinates activities at Parma, overseeing daily operations and center activities, managing budgets and expenditures through supervision of financial technicians and administrative staff, hiring and training staff, and evaluating performance.

The position supports the production of certified seed for various crops grown in Idaho and the United States, ensuring rules and regulations are followed in the production of breeder and certified seed, while managing production sites and storage of seed lots throughout Idaho. It also supports the certified seed industry in Idaho through expansion of seed for other public and private entities and serves as an 'ex officio' member of the board for the Idaho Crop Improvement Association.

• Oversee daily operations at the Parma Research and Extension Center
• Manage budgets and expenditures through supervision of farm manager, facilities manager, financial technician(s), and administrative staff
• Hire and train staff
• Evaluate staff performance
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience:

• Three years as a program supervisor
• Developing and managing budgets, financial records, and inventories
• Communicating with individuals and groups, both verbally and through written reports
• Using field records and education/technological transfer mechanisms
• Experience in modern crop production practices; agricultural production equipment; seed handling; and cleaning equipment and maintenance of farm equipment
• Experience with seed certification laws, standards, and procedures necessary for producing limited generation seed such as Breeder and Foundation classes
• Experience in limited generation seed production and/or commercial seed production and sales

Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree; four additional years of experience in program supervision may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree.

Required Other: Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to meet UI requirements for driving university vehicles; ability to travel; ability to work nonstandard business hours including weekends and holidays.

Additional Preferred: Master’s Degree in crop science or closely related discipline; experience with computer operation and record-keeping via software programs; experience providing technical program assistance to staff; experience providing liaison with customer/provider groups.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions: Must be able to lift, carry, and/or otherwise move up to 50 pounds; ability to work in inclement weather.