Farm Shop Manager*, Carvel Education and Research Center
CONTEXT OF THE JOB:
The Carvel Research and Education Center (CREC), located in Georgetown, Delaware serves as the southern agricultural experiment station for the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. CREC encompasses the Thurman Adams Jr. Agricultural Research Farm (347 acres) and the Warrington Irrigation Research Farm (120 acres), both of which serve as primary locations for field crop research in many agronomic, vegetable, and fruit crops. CREC also supports many off-farm research projects conducted across the state.
Under limited supervision from the Farm Manager, this position serves as the head of the CREC farm shop, providing leadership, supervision, operational data analysis, and coordination of all equipment and vehicle maintenance and repairs. The position also serves as the head of shop safety on the CREC facility safety committee, providing training recommendations, maintenance, supply inventory and records, and waste monitoring of shop materials. In addition, this position performs and coordinates farm field operations using precision agriculture technologies at the CREC farm and off-farm locations across the state and provides supervision to full and part-time personnel working within the farm shop. The principal emphasis with this position is on highly skilled farm maintenance and maintenance shop management and supervisory activities. Independent judgment is required to assess, prioritize, and schedule timely completion of repairs. Analytical skills to evaluate equipment performance, fuel consumption, and cost of operation to make recommendations for future replacements and upgrades.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide strategic leadership and supervision of equipment operations by managing and mentoring technical staff, coordinating daily maintenance activities, establishing performance standards, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the lifecycle management of agricultural equipment, including the development and implementation of preventive and predictive maintenance programs, optimization of equipment utilization, and integration of telematics and computerized maintenance management systems to enhance reliability and operational efficiency.
- Conduct advanced financial and technical analyses of equipment operational costs, including total cost of ownership, depreciation, fuel and maintenance expenses, and performance metrics to support data-driven budgeting and resource allocation. Lead all planning, scheduling, and implementation of farm machinery, vehicle, and shop maintenance and repairs on the following: fleet vehicles, trailers, class A trucks, farm tractors, planters, combines, sprayers, mowers, and numerous pieces of field tillage equipment.
- Perform standard preventive maintenance services such as oil changes, chassis lubrication and overall vehicle inspections.
- Conduct electronic engine analysis and specialized tests to maintain emissions, safety, AC and data collections systems.
- Diagnose major engine and drivetrain issues.
- Take appropriate action regarding emergency repairs or replacements regarding equipment and vehicles, including working directly with researchers on identifying specifications on such equipment to support the research programs associated with crop production.
- Operate and troubleshoot problems on all agricultural research equipment. This can include transport of equipment.
- Maintain inventory and maintenance records for all shop and machinery parts and supplies, including specialized research components supporting the precision agriculture technologies. Direct inventory and procurement functions, ensuring accurate asset tracking, optimal parts and supplies management, and effective vendor and service provider relationships, including contract negotiation and evaluation of supplier performance.
- Maintain stockroom with a parts inventory sufficient to meet the daily demands of the shop.
- Develop equipment needs and present to management for consideration in the annual budget. Lead capital planning and strategic advisory efforts by preparing cost–benefit analyses, return on investment (ROI), and payback period evaluations to inform recommendations on equipment upgrades, replacements, and long-term fleet management aligned with organizational goals.
- Ensure safety inspections are performed on all equipment.
- Ensure that all work and equipment history is recorded.
- Serve as the lead for shop safety training and documentation by participating on the CREC facility safety committee to ensure that safety procedures are followed. This includes training recommendations and supply and waste inventory record keeping.
- Train and seasonally supervise three Farm Assistants and one miscellaneous Farm worker when working on all shop activities.
- Responsible for complying with university policies, procedures, and best practices regarding protecting data and following UD data governance rules.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- High school diploma or GED and six years of related experience. Two years of experience can be substituted with the completion of an accredited training program for heavy equipment, farm equipment or diesel repair or certification as a ASE Master Technician. Two years of the required experience must include servicing and repairing farm or construction equipment and diesel engines.
- Possess a valid class A CDL and medical card or obtain within six months of employment.
- Knowledge of advanced and specialized practices and operations of farm, trailers, and motor vehicle equipment.
- A pesticide applicator and nutrient management applicator license is a plus.
- Familiarity with precision agriculture systems and their operation is a plus.
- Welding and fabrication skills are a plus.
- Ability to coordinate multiple projects concurrently with a focus on scheduling equipment maintenance and operations.
- Ability and willingness to learn and accept new ideas, techniques and responsibilities.
- Effective interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively and interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
- Basic computing skills, with ability to use email, internet, and MS Office software such as Word and Excel.
Environmental Factors/Occupational Exposures:
- The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions.
- Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.
Special Requirements:
- With or without assistance, must be able to routinely lift up to 50 pounds.
- Must be able to work in cramped areas and positions for extended periods of time, climb ladders in excess of 50 feet, and work above floor level or in pits.
- Required to maintain a valid CDL A commercial motor vehicle operator's license.
- Employment is dependent upon passing a University-specified medical evaluation to maintain the above classification of motor vehicle license. and proper use of protective equipment.
- May be required to obtain and maintain a valid pesticide applicator's license.
- Employees in this classification are considered essential employees and are subject to being on call 24 hours a day, as may be required to maintain the continuous operation of a facility. Employees must provide a telephone number where they can be reached. In the event of hazardous weather employees may be called to duty during off-hours. This is maintenance work requiring physical exertion that is performed either outdoors under all weather conditions or inside a building.
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