Title: Senior Research Associate (Farm Manager)
Position Number: 0097109
Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Maui County
Location: Kahului, Maui, HI
Date Posted: July 14, 2026
Closing Date: July 29, 2026, 11:59PM HST
Band: B
Salary : salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted by July 29, 2026, 11:59PM HST. If there is an insufficient number of applications, recruitment may be extended. Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee. Please see application instructions.
Duties and Responsibilities
- This position is under the general supervision of the Maui County Administrator and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the CTAHR research and extension operations and maintenance of the Kula Ag Station, Kula Ag Park, Haleakala Livestock and Forage Station and the Cooperative Extension Demonstration Garden on the island of Maui.
- Oversees and carries out a variety of horticultural and agronomic activities in connection with the research and extension programs conducted at the CTAHR sites on Maui.
- Plans, schedules, and coordinates the implementation of CTAHR research projects and related work operations, including scheduling of research support staff and equipment needs at the research stations;
- Communicates with research and extension faculty/project coordinators orally and in writing.
- Manages the research plot allocation request, project implementation, and monitoring processes.
- Consults with research and extension faculty regarding operations needed for each project and implements the most cost effective and efficient means to accomplish operations within labor, facility and equipment availability.
- Keeps detailed records of the field research operations of each project including utilization of labor, equipment, tractors and vehicles, rainfall, and other climactic data.
- Inspects completed work for thoroughness, accuracy and precision.
- Assists in maintaining the agriculture fields and vegetation; including field preparation of experimental plots and any other related maintenance to support the research projects housed at the Maui CTAHR sites.
- Supervises all agricultural research support technicians by assigning and directing them in carrying out the projects and objectives of the research stations
- Analyzes processes and seeks to determine improved methods of research operation to increase efficiency of labor utilization.
- Enforces and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations; evaluates work performance of subordinates; promotes harmonious working relationships among the farm staff.
- Assists the County Administrator in the preparation of the research station budgets by providing prioritized lists of materials, supplies, and equipment essential for the operations of each station responsible for the upkeep of station buildings, roads, fences, lawns, landscape plants, irrigation, fishpond, equipment, vehicles and other stations facilities and arranges for the labor and materials needed for maintenance and scheduled improvements; consolidates and conducts purchasing activities.
- Assists in the selections process to fill position vacancies by reviewing position descriptions, interviewing and rating applicants.
- Responsible for monitoring the repairs and the maintenance (R&M) needs of the farms and offices, as well as reviewing scopes of work for CIP & R&M projects, and makes recommendations to the County Administrator.
- Oversees the registration, safety inspections, repair and maintenance, and disposal of vehicle fleet and large farm equipment.
- Supervises the application of pesticides including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides.
- Makes recommendations to the County Administrator to purchase, repair, or dispose of vehicles and farm equipment.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, contractors, team leaders and members, and individuals through respectful interactions.
Denotes Essential Functions
Minimum Qualifications
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Possession of a baccalaureate degree in agriculture business, agricultural engineering, plant and soil sciences, or related field and 4 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for management of facilities, equipment and personnel; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
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Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of management of facilities and equipment and/or an area of business as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
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Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with the management of facilities, equipment and personnel.
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Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative, and timely manner.
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Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
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Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
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Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing and spreadsheet software.
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If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
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Ability to operate farm equipment including tractors, mechanical sprayers, golf carts, 3-wheel and 4-wheel vehicles, and all small equipment (e.g. chainsaws, string trimmers, etc.).
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Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawai'i Driver's license (Class 3), comparable driver's license, or other means of transportation which meets position needs.
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An annual physician's approval to use a respirator and an annual UH Health and Safety respiratory certification and the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Commercial Category 10 License is required for working with various cropping systems which include organic, inorganic, farming techniques and genetically modified organisms. (may be obtained after hire)
Desirable Qualifications
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Master's degree in agriculture business, agricultural engineering, agricultural business administration, or related field.
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Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, procedures and techniques of agricultural research.
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Working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with OSHA, WPS, EPA.
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Knowledge of University of Hawaii fiscal accounting systems, administrative policies and procedures.
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Ability to analyze budget data and make recommendations on increased efficiencies.
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Knowledge of construction, facility maintenance, upkeep and renovation.
TO APPLY: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.
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Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and some, if not all, desirable qualifications;
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Resume/Curriculum vitae (CV);
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Names of three (3) professional references (contact information including email address); and
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Official transcripts or original documentation from the institution confirming the degree (copies acceptable; however, official transcripts sent directly from the degree-granting institution are required upon hire).
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Any confidential data should be redacted (e.g. social security number, date of birth, etc).
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Diplomas will not be accepted.
Note: Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.
