Tollgate Farm Manager

Farm Manager

Position Overview

As part of MSU Extension and the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI), MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center (Tollgate) promotes food system awareness through exploring the sustainable, nutritional, and cultural aspects of agriculture and natural resources. This work is supported by a 160-acre working farm that serves as a demonstration site for agricultural production, environmental education, and public engagement.

As a key member of the Tollgate leadership team, you will provide comprehensive oversight of farm operations, facilities, equipment, and grounds. This includes managing the daily operations of a working educational farm and ensuring that all physical assets of the farm are maintained, safe, and fully functional to support educational programming, agricultural production, events, and community use. Responsibilities include coordinating facility readiness, maintaining cleanliness standards, and procuring equipment, supplies, and materials needed for operations.

In this role, you will supervise and coordinate operations staff, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees as well as management of volunteers. Responsibilities include hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, assigning work, and evaluating performance. You will establish priorities, develop and implement work plans, and ensuring effective staffing coverage and alignment across operational areas such as livestock support, crop production, facilities maintenance, and event readiness. You will also oversee the maintenance and safe operation of farm equipment and vehicles, including coordinating repairs, maintaining inventories and service schedules, troubleshooting issues, and training staff on proper use. The position also includes coordinating facility maintenance, inspections, and contractor services; managing vendor relationships; and ensuring sites are prepared for programs, rentals, and events.

In collaboration with the Tollgate Director, you will support strategic planning and implementation of operational systems that improve efficiency, sustainability, and long-term site functionality. Additional responsibilities include maintaining operational records, tracking maintenance activities, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, and identifying and addressing operational risks.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (see full description for complete list of requirements)

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Animal Science or Crop, Soil Science, Agriculture, Facilities Management, Natural Resources, or related field. 
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Application Process

View full description and apply through the MSU careers page. Search for posting 1131466 using the Job Search field. 

Application deadline is June 2, 2026.