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