Research Agronomist & Farm Manager

About this role

Job Title Research Agronomist & Farm Manager

Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department Corpus Christi

Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate

Job Location Corpus Christi, Texas

Job Type Staff

Job Description About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

• Texas A&M AgriLife Research

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University

• Texas A&M Forest Service

• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information The Research Agronomist & Farm Manager will lead all agricultural operations at the Research Center, ensuring that farm resources, equipment, and land are strategically managed to support research excellence and productive cropping. This role combines hands-on agronomy, operational leadership, and coordination with internal and external partners. The manager will oversee crop production, equipment maintenance, land-use planning, and field services for principal investigators (PIs) as well as oversee and execute testing programs for industry partners.

Responsibilities: • Research Trial Support — Provide full-service field operations for PIs as demanded by stakeholders. This may include land preparation, planting, crop management, irrigation coordination, data collection support, and harvesting of research plots. Ensure trials are executed with precision, consistency, and adherence to research protocols.

• Farm Operations Management — Oversee all day-to-day farm activities, including crop planning, soil health management, fertility programs, pest and disease monitoring, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

• Equipment Ownership — Maintain, repair, schedule, and operate all farm equipment. Develop preventive maintenance plans, manage equipment inventory, and ensure readiness for research and production activities.

• Land Optimization — Maximize productivity of non-research acreage by selecting and managing rotational crops that improve soil health, align with regional agronomic relevance, and generate revenue or strategic value for the center.

• External Testing Coordination — Serve as the primary contact for organizations (internal and external) seeking field testing, demonstration plots, or collaborative agronomic evaluations. Manage logistics, field setup, compliance, and reporting.

• Data & Reporting — Document field activities, crop performance, input usage, and operational metrics. Provide timely updates to leadership and PIs.

• Safety & Compliance — Ensure all farm activities meet regulatory, environmental, and institutional standards. Train seasonal staff or assistants on safe equipment operation and field procedures.

• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and five years of hands-on farm management or agronomy experience, ideally in a research or trial-based environment.

• Or, Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and three years of hands-on farm management or agronomy experience, ideally in a research or trial-based environment.

• Or, PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and one year of hands-on farm management or agronomy experience, ideally in a research or trial-based environment.

• Strategic land-use planning

• Precision agriculture and data-driven decision-making

• Equipment operation and maintenance

• Collaboration with researchers and external partners

• Strong organizational and leadership skills

• Ability to secure a Pesticide Applicators license as well as drone pilot applicator license

• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others

Preferred Qualifications: • Master’s degree in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and more than three years of hands-on farm management or agronomy experience, ideally in a research or trial-based environment.

• PhD in Agronomy, Crop Science, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or related field and more than one year of hands-on farm management or agronomy experience, ideally in a research or trial-based environment.

• Demonstrated expertise in crop production, soil fertility, pest management, and field operations.

• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience maintaining and operating farm machinery.

• Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and manage complex field schedules.

• Excellent recordkeeping, communication, and problem-solving skills.

What You Need to Know Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife? When you choose to  work  for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following: • Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation

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