Director, Foundation Seed and Parma Station
Posting Number: SP004976P
Division/College: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department: Palouse Rsrch Ext Education Ctr
Location: Parma
Posting Context Statement:
The Director of the University of Idaho Foundation Seed Program (FSP) is responsible for the management of the state-wide, $1.5 million, program to produce quality Foundation Class seed of crop varieties released through and/or maintained by the Idaho Agricultural Experiment Station (IAES). The program operates under the direction of the FSP Director to produce and condition a wide variety of crops at research and extension centers throughout the state. The position will coordinate activities at Parma that oversees daily operations and center activities, manage budgets and expenditures through supervision of financial technicians and administrative staff, hire and train staff and evaluate performance.
Position Overview:
The Director supports the production of certified seed for a variety of crops grown in Idaho and the rest of the United States. The Foundation Seed program is at the heart of wheat, bean, oilseed, and potato variety development at the University of Idaho. The Director ensures rules and regulations are followed in the production of breeder and certified seed, while managing production sites and storage of seed lots throughout Idaho. The position also supports the certified seed industry in Idaho through expansion of seed for other public and private entities, connection to the various seed industries in Idaho, and as an "ex officio" member of the board for the Idaho Crop Improvement Association.
Duties may include:
Duties may include:
- Oversee daily operations at the Parma Research and Extension Center
- Manage budgets and expenditures through supervision of farm manager facilities manager, financial technician(s) and administrative staff
- Hire and train staff
- Evaluate staff performance
- Other duties as assigned
Required Experience:
- Three years as a program supervisor
- Developing and managing budgets, financial records and inventories
- Communicating with individuals and groups, both verbally and through written reports
- Using field records and education/technological transfer mechanisms
- Experience in modern crop production practices; agricultural production equipment; seed handling; and cleaning equipment and maintenance of farm equipment
- Experience with seed certification laws, standards and procedures necessary for producing limited generation seed such as Breeder and Foundation classes
- Experience in limited generation seed production and/or commercial seed production and sales
Required Education:
- Bachelors Degree; four additional years of experience in program supervision (for a total of seven years) may substitute for a Bachelors Degree
Required Other:
- Must have a valid drivers license and ability to meet UI requirements for driving university vehicles
- Ability to travel
- Ability to work nonstandard business hours including weekends and holidays
Additional Preferred:
- Masters Degree in crop science or closely related discipline
- Experience with computer operation and record-keeping via software programs
- Experience providing technical program assistance to staff
- Experience providing liaison with customer/provider groups
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
- Must be able to lift, carry and/or otherwise move up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work in inclement weather
Degree Requirement:
Listed degree qualification is required at time of application
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employee Category: Exempt
Pay Range: $100,000 annually or higher depending on experience
Type of Appointment: _of_Appointment
FTE:
1.0
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Funding:
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy: No
Posting Date: 08/11/2025
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Applications received by September 14, 2025, will receive first consideration.
IMPORTANT: To be considered, your "Letter of Qualification" must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.
Please upload your unofficial transcripts.
If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Juliet Marshall at jmarshall@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you.
IMPORTANT: To be considered, your "Letter of Qualification" must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.
Please upload your unofficial transcripts.
If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Juliet Marshall at jmarshall@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you.
Applicant Resources: https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources
Background Check Statement:
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
To apply, visit https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/49200
The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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