Superintendent, Field Operations

at  University of Saskatchewan

SUPERINTENDENT, FIELD OPERATIONS

Primary Purpose: The Superintendent-Field Operations provides leadership, administrative direction, and a commitment to organizational excellence in all matters related to field operations under the auspices of the College of Agriculture and Bioresources and the Department of Plant Sciences.
This position has the responsibility for leadership on all matters related to workplace health and safety, workflow and scheduling, and resource management associated with the Department’s field operations.
The Department is a large and diverse unit with a large land holding utilized by substantive research and plant breeding programs. Additionally, this position oversees the day-to-day operations of the Breeder Seed Production Unit, the Crop Science Field Facility, the Kernen Commercial Farm, the Campus farm operation, Aberdeen Field Facility, a large fleet of vehicles, and a diverse commercial and research equipment base.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Head of Plant Sciences, this position provides guidance and advice to the Head and the various academic and administrative personnel on a wide range of matters related to the management of staff, land, equipment, university policy, departmental farm and field facilities, and agronomic information.
This position serves as a liaison between the Department and the Dean’s Office, Campus Operations, and Information and Communications Technology. Additionally, this position fosters relationships with off-campus entities such as Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon, the Rural Municipalities of Corman Park and Blucher, equipment suppliers, contractors, private agribusiness companies, and the public.
The position is multi-faceted, and fast-paced and requires a high level of judgment, personal initiative, confidentiality, networking, and relationship-building skills. Issues are often complex and require a working knowledge of the University, and legislation as it pertains to the Occupational Health and Safety, Labour Standards Act, the Trade Union Act, the Seed’s Act and Regulations, and the Pest Control Products Act.
The position requires a strong knowledge of agronomy, plant breeding, pest management, field research design, plant genetics, and the design and fabrication of field and lab research equipment as it pertains to crops grown on the great plains of North America. Advice as it relates to the above parameters is often solicited from both University personnel and external contacts such as private industry, commercial producers, domestic and international governmental agencies, research equipment manufacturers, and other Universities.

• Provide leadership in the department focusing on all aspects of the field-related activities as they pertain to personnel, land use, equipment fleets, vehicle fleets, and associated buildings and infrastructure on one of the largest research farms in North America.
• Management of farm and mechanic personnel including recruitment, retention, and performance management.
• Act as a liaison/consultant to over 250 personnel including faculty, staff, and students.
• Represent the department as a liaison regarding field and off-campus issues as requested.
• Implement best practices in workplace occupational health and safety and risk management strategies.
• Leadership role in the long-term planning for field-related resources including land holdings and equipment acquisition; participating in planning of facility construction and renewal.
• Manage the Commercial farming operation and related budgets to promote first-rate facilities for faculty and researchers.
• Manage the Breeder Seed Production Unit and related budgets in consultation with the Director of the Crop Development Centre.to ensure that good quality seed is available to the seed industry of western Canada.
• Participate as a member of Departmental committees.
• Participate in the recruitment of academic and non-academic staff both within the department and other units on campus when requested.
• Manage the finance of the Commercial Farm Operations, the Breeder Seed Production Operation, Vehicle fleet accounts, and the equipment maintenance account in conjunction with the Manager, Finance and Administration.
• Procurement of vehicles, commercial farm equipment, large-value research equipment, and other field-related research equipment.
• Oversee maintenance and space management as it relates to all departmental field-related facilities and infrastructure.
• Design and implement new technologies in field research where efficiencies can be harnessed and exploited.
• Lead negotiations and finalize land rental contracts with external entities.
• Oversee and implement inventory management systems for the various programs managed by the position.
• Maintain historical records on land use, fertility, and crop rotations to facilitate future research endeavors.
• All aspects of grain marketing to maximize commercial crop revenues.
• Oversee the maintenance and improvements of the equipment, vehicles, irrigation equipment, and other infrastructure utilized by the Department. Liaise with College and FMD on improvements to and maintenance of buildings and roads.
  Education: A master’s or undergraduate degree in agriculture or a closely related field.
  Licenses: Licensing as a Professional Agrologist through the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists would be considered an asset
  Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of proven successful experience in an agriculturally related business with senior administrative experience in managing staff and project management in a dynamic organization or university setting. Direct experience in agricultural research (scientific, academic, and plant breeding) with a strong knowledge of the pedigreed seed and commercial farming industry in western Canada.
  Skills: Strong competencies in relationship management, project management, leadership, communication (verbal and written), personal effectiveness, decision-making, and problem-solving. A strong working knowledge of the University governance and policies. Must have the ability to handle sensitive information and demonstrate tact and discretion when required. Proficient computer skills including the use of word processing and spreadsheet software and a working knowledge of GPS technology. Strong mechanical aptitude to facilitate the development of new innovative equipment for field research.
  Department: Plant Sciences
  Status: Permanent
  Employment Group: Exempt
  Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
  Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $91,180.00 - 152,753.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.