Farmer 5

Farmer 5

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: April 28, 2026

Available Title(s): 565M-YN_CS_NPS - Farmer 5

Business Title: Farmer 5

Employee Type: Classified

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

As the Farmer 5 for Crop and Soils, you serve at the supervisory or expert level with primary responsibility for the operation, management, security, and maintenance of a WSU-USDA cooperative agricultural research farm specializing in plant genetic resource production, including grass, pulse, bean, and horticultural crops and related species. You oversee daily field operations supporting research, including land preparation, planting, fertilization, irrigation, pest management, harvesting, grain handling, and storage. You supervise and schedule assigned personnel, equipment operators, and seasonal labor, exercising independent judgment in staffing, workflow, and resource allocation to meet research objectives and production timelines.

You participate in the planning and execution of regeneration trials, including plot layout, treatment applications, data collection, and the maintenance of accurate records for research, time, and costs. You manage farm equipment and facilities, coordinate preventative maintenance and emergency repairs, and provide input on capital improvements and major funding expenditures. You assist with short- and long-range operational and fiscal planning, ensure compliance with University, USDA, ARS, and regulatory requirements, and represent the University by coordinating with federal partners and external stakeholders to support successful research outcomes.

Washington State University is hiring for two positions, one located in Pullman, WA, and one located in Central Ferry, WA.

Additional Information:

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Monthly Salary: $4,542 - $6,107 | Range 50 Steps A - M | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28.

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• Four years of experience in farm work or maintaining livestock herds, at least one year must include lead or supervisory experience; OR equivalent education/experience.
• Washington State Certified Pesticide Applicator's License and, or the ability to obtain one within six(6) months of hire.
• Equipment Operation Licenses and, or the ability to obtain one within six(6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural farm operations, including field crop production and/or management of research or production farms.
• College-level coursework or vocational training in agriculture, agronomy, crop science, or a closely related field may be substituted for the required work experience on a year-for-year basis.