Farm Director (Administrator III)

Job no: 559724
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Chico
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time

Job/Department Summary:

Under the general direction of the Dean of the College of Agriculture, the Farm Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of the 800-acre University Farm and 249-acre Meridian Range property. As a member of the college's leadership team, the Farm Director ensures that farm operations, resources, and financial activities align with college and university priorities.

The Farm Director advances the Farm as a dynamic "living laboratory" and a center of excellence for experiential learning, applied research, and workforce development in agriculture. In collaboration with the Dean, Associate Dean, program coordinator, faculty, and staff, the incumbent integrates farm operations with academic programs to enhance student success, innovation, and industry relevance.

Working in coordination with Chico State Enterprises (CSE), the position ensures sound fiscal management and compliance. The role also leads long-range planning, innovation, and resource development to support sustainable operations, infrastructure improvements, and the continued growth and impact of the College of Agriculture.

Required Education and Experience:

A Master's degree in animal science, plant science, agricultural business, agriculture systems, or similar discipline.
AND
At least five years experience in farm management, agricultural business, or extension-like services.

Preferences:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills:

• Experience managing university farms or other complex agricultural enterprises.
• Experience working within the CSU or another higher education institution.
• Working knowledge of California's agricultural regulatory environment, including compliance with state and federal requirements governing agricultural operations.
• Experience securing grants, philanthropic support, or other external funding for agricultural programs or facilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading innovation, diversifying enterprises, or implementing emerging technologies and sustainable practices.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, workforce development, and inclusive excellence.

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm, Summer: Mon-Thurs 7:00am-5:30pm

Anticipated Hiring Range: Not to exceed $164,000 per year. Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected.

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance). For more information please visit https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

Additional Information:

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, requires that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive.

This position is considered a sensitive position based on CSU guidelines. Incumbent is responsible for the safety and security of Level 1 data, sometimes also referred to as Level 1 protected data. This is confidential information that is in most cases protected by statutes, regulations, or other legal mandates.

The person holding this position is considered a "General Mandated Reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment. (Check)

This position is a Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA) designated managerial position and comes under the Management Personnel Plan (MPP) of the California State University. Individuals appointed to management positions serve at the pleasure of the President or designee. They are excluded from the collective bargaining process, are not subject to probationary service, and do not receive tenure or permanent status. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

The duties of this position will include participation in a decision that may have a material/financial benefit to the incumbent. Therefore, this is a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code and the incumbent will be required to file a Form 700: Statement of Economic Interest and is subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission. (Designated Position Groups: Farm Manager - Category 1, 2, 5).

A valid California Driver's license is required and must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 07/29/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)

Advertised: Jul 08 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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