New

Unit Manager

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience ($55,698 - $58,495)

life insurance, flexible benefit account, paid time off

United States, North Carolina, Clayton

13223 U.S. 70 Business (Show on map)

Mar 31, 2026

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194563EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Unit Manager
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience ($55,698 - $58,495)
Work Schedule	Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Job Location	Clayton, NC
Department	Central Crops Research Station
About the Department	Central Crops Research Station is one of eighteen agricultural research centers in the state of North Carolina. North Carolina State University owns the Central Crops Research Station with operational management through the Division of Research Stations. North Carolina State University and the Division of Research Stations establish the general operating procedures. The mission of the Central Crops Research Station is to provide resources, personnel, scientific expertise, and facilities to scientists conducting research in field crops, horticulture crops, swine, tobacco, and environmental areas. It is the responsibility of the staff to actively manage and maintain all projects and to develop long and short-term management schemes. The research includes multi-disciplinary research projects, complex breeding programs, leaf and soil microbes, insect and disease control, irrigation, fertility, weed management, plasticulture, and pesticide application, tolerance, and efficacy. The station houses a maize seed lab, seed processing area, and long term seed storage facility in addition to tobacco and sweet potato curing facilities. It functions as a teaching facility for both graduate and undergraduate students at NCSU, providing crop field labs and animal specimens for graduate and undergraduate classes. The station hosts numerous demonstrations, workshops, field days, and instructional programs for the public each year.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits	As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. What we offer: Medical, Dental, and Vision Flexible Spending Account Retirement Programs Disability Plans Life Insurance Accident Plan Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs 12 Holidays Each Year Tuition and Academic Assistance And so much more! Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties	Acting as the research program manager for the Horticulture unit, you will be responsible for various assigned projects, budget, staff, students, facilities, care, and maintenance of plant material, conduct research projects, and provide public relations support for the research station. The primary purpose of your role will be to assess proposed project requirements for station and unit resources and evaluate long-term effects on both. Additionally you will serve as a liaison between the project staff and the research station. Key responsibilities fall within the three functional areas of support outlined below: Team Leadership & Personnel Management Direct and monitor employees' activities and work assignments on a daily and weekly basis. Conduct performance reviews, provide guidance, leadership, and training for staff development. Ensure the safety of staff, project staff, and visitors. Crop Production & Operations Plan, schedule, and supervise the implementation of production practices for all horticulture crops. Assist research personnel with the implementation of treatments, collection, and recording of data. Plan, schedule, and assist with all tasks related to the establishment, maintenance, and disposition of horticulture plant material. Work with various types of irrigation equipment, including but not limited to drip and solid set. Assist station management with field assignments and crop rotation decisions. Facility & Equipment Maintenance Assist with maintenance of equipment, grounds, buildings, field plots, and other tasks essential to the proper operation of the entire facility. Provide assistance in other units as needed to support general operations. If you are someone who understands that the integrity of research outcomes starts with precision, oversight, and accountability and you take pride in ensuring high-quality, reliable work that others depend on we encourage you to apply. NOTE: this position is for our onsite location in Clayton, NC
Other Responsibilities

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Graduation from a four-year college or university and two years of general research experience, preferably with supervision; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Familiarity with a variety of research fields, concepts, practices, and procedures. Demonstrated experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
Other Required Qualifications	Demonstrates clear, professional written and verbal communication; able to produce concise reports and communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders. Capable of routinely lifting 50 lbs. and occasionally lifting up to 75 lbs., maintaining proper technique and safety standards, with or without reasonable accommodations. Proficient in operating farm machinery safely and efficiently, with ability to follow operational protocols. Able to read, interpret, and follow pesticide labels and research protocols accurately, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. Accurately collects, records, and maintains data in a consistent, reliable manner suitable for research purposes.
Preferred Qualifications	Horticulture production, research, and supervisory experience. Demonstrates expertise in the safe and effective use of agricultural pesticides, including knowledge of modes of action, application methods, equipment calibration, resistance management, interactions, and soil-based considerations for herbicide selection and rates. Ability to accurately identify plant pests and determine appropriate, effective treatment strategies. Proficiency operating precision agriculture equipment and managing irrigation systems to support crop health and productivity. A working knowledge of Word, Excel, and Farm Management software
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	A valid driver's license is required for travel. An NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire. Must obtain a North Carolina Public Pesticide Applicator's license within 9 months of hire date.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	03/31/2026
Anticipated Close Date	4/14/2026; if posting is still active we are accepting and reviewing applications.
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Please make sure that the information entered on the application matches what is on your resume.

Position Details

Position Number	00111977
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Fire/Explosions, Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Transportation Accidents, Mandatory - Evacuations/Natural Hazards, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure, Mandatory - Threats of Violence/Terrorism/Interpersonal Emergencies
Department ID	115003 - Central Crops Research Station
EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.