Assistant Director Supervisor: Sustainable Agriculture and Urban Farms

Rutgers University

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Apr 09, 2025

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Assistant Director Supervisor: Sustainable Agriculture and Urban Farms
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Executive
Department	Rutgers Gardens
Overview	The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Assistant Director Supervisor: Sustainable Agriculture and Urban Farms for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. The Assistant Director ( SPVR): Sustainable Agriculture and Urban Farms will oversee the development and operations of the SEBS-affiliated agriculture education spaces on Cook campus, such as the Rutgers Gardens Student Farm, Jones Avenue Urban Gardens, Cook Organic Garden, Martin Hall Urban Garden, and others that may develop. The assistant director will work with faculty and administrators to develop plans and practices that support student learning and community engagement. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Manages these agricultural sites as vital representations of campus stewardship and engagement. Develops and leads agricultural educational programs, farm demonstration projects, and collaborative multi-disciplinary food security efforts in conjunction with Rutgers Gardens leadership, SEBS/NJAES faculty, university partners, and related organizations and industry representatives. Hires and supervises staff and students who engage in the day-to-day agricultural tasks in these spaces, including but not limited to the production of sustainably raised fresh produce grown for sale, demonstration, and distribution to food insecure residents and students. Contributes to fundraising and business planning as appropriate, assure positive visitor experiences, and network across Rutgers and the community to support collaborations. Significant contributions to fundraising, grant writing, and business planning in collaboration with the Director of Rutgers Gardens and Campus Stewardship are expected.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Rotating
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	06
Position Salary	Salary Offer Cannot Exceed $79,387.
Annual Minimum Salary	79387.00
Annual Mid Range Salary	100485.00
Annual Maximum Salary	121582.00
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	A Master's degree in agricultural sciences, food systems, sustainability, biological or plant sciences, or related subjects is necessary. At least two years of experience in sustainable agriculture or similar is required.
Certifications/Licenses	Possession of a valid driver's license and willingness to obtain defensive driver training. Has a New Jersey pesticide applicator's license, or willingness to obtain one.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Experience teaching and leading undergraduate student projects, including hands-on, outdoor efforts. Demonstrated ability to successfully collaborate with other university departments, programs, and initiatives. Successful record of project management, including oversight of infrastructure and field crop installation and improvements. Leadership experience in the food and/or agricultural sector. Experience in growing food crops as part of small-scale sustainable farming for commercial food production, including planning, budgeting, implementation of plans, and problem-solving. Demonstrated skills in pest and weed management, soil preparation, cultivation, and harvesting. Experience with farm equipment, water/irrigation, harvest, storage, and other practical aspects of farming. Experience managing all aspects of running a farm market/farm stand, a CSA, and a small-scale vegetable farm operation. Strong written and verbal communications skills. Experience and ability to provide efficient supervision and collaboration with groups of all ages and abilities. Evidence of interpersonal and problem-solving skills in a team setting, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Experience with food safety and human health safety policies as it relates to farm markets and agricultural food production and sales.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience with the design and implementation of sponsored projects. Experience working with volunteers and student interns. Experience with food insecurity issues and activities. Solid skills in social media, mailing lists, and other marketing tools. Experience working within education/in an academic environment. Sustainability-focused perspective on food and agriculture. Experience with organic and/or ecologically sustainable farm and food safety policies and practices.
Equipment Utilized	Excellent working knowledge of Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook, Zoom, social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.), and mailing lists. Experience working with manual and mechanized farm equipment.
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs. and do heavy physical work outdoors year-round.
Special Conditions	Must be available to work outside of the traditional workday/week, including evenings and weekends as required. Must be able to provide own transportation for work purposes (for delivery of crops to food banks, for example).

Posting Details

Posting Number	25ST0753
Posting Open Date	04/09/2025
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City	New Brunswick
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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