Overview
Leadership role for the management of research station operations such as animal agriculture, plant breeding, research, crop/seed production, and product development.
What responsibilities will I have?
- Manage all daily aspects of research station operations
- Provide procedures for the collection, classification, and preservation of specimens and samples
- Set policy for experimental procedures, testing, analysis, and monitoring processes
- Supervise research trials and projects in an effort to achieve validated research data
- Prepare annual forecasts, budgets, and other business plans
- Control costs in line with budget expectations
- Ensure compliance to safety and environmental regulations
- Responsible for facility and equipment maintenance and repair
- Supervise, train and schedule staff
- Plan space for research plots and experiments
- Host events for farmer, consumers and government officials for education and promotion purposes
- Ensure maintenance of equipment and facilities in support of all programs.
- Ensure maintenance of all research equipment, planting, harvesting and seed cleaning.
What education and training is required?
A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, crop science or soil science or animal science.
To pursue a career as a research station manager:
The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, mathematics, biology, chemistry, Spanish, business courses and computer courses.
Where can I work?
Universities that are part of the Land-Grant System and some companies have research farms or facilities where they can test their products and conduct research.
Future Job Market/Outlook
The job outlook for a research station manager will be good over the next five years.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations
- Crop Science Society of America
- American Society of Animal Science
- Soil Science Society of America
- National FFA Alumni Association