Director, Agronomy Seed Farm
North Dakota University System
Casselton, ND 58012, USA
Published 4 days ago
Full time
DIRECTOR, NDAES AGRONOMY SEED FARM
Description & Details:
The NDSU Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES) seeks applicants for the Director of the Agronomy Seed Farm (ASF) position. The Director will provide overall leadership for the ASF to fulfill its established mission and meet the needs of stakeholders in the North Dakota Foundation Seedstocks program and seed producers statewide. The Director oversees the ASF's daily operations, manages the Farm's budget, supervises personnel, oversees administrative and operational procedures, and manages external communications and stakeholder relations. This position reports to the Assistant Director for Field Operations at the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.
The Agronomy Seed Farm produces foundation seed for North Dakota seed growers and collaborates with NDAES scientists on research. NDAES scientists' research and outreach focus on developing new crop varieties and providing evaluations and data on varieties grown in North Dakota. The ASF manages extensive trials and the production of foundation seedstocks, using modern processing equipment for seed production, cleaning, conditioning, and distribution. Commercial-sized fields of old and new crop varieties, as well as potential variety releases, are grown and tested at the ASF, including hard red spring wheat, oats, barley, field pea, soybean, and others. The ASF's foundation seedstock production generates seed increases for plant breeders and ultimately provides seedstock that supplies the certified seed industry, serving as a springboard for nearly all crop production in the state that relies on public breeding programs. Producing adequate foundation seed is an imperative step in providing improved varieties from NDSU plant breeding programs to producers. The ASF is entirely self-financed by the sale of the seed it produces.
Position Responsibilities:
The incumbent is responsible for producing breeder- and foundation-grade seed and assisting with the coordination and distribution of new varieties through the NDSU Foundation Seedstocks program, housed in the Department of Plant Sciences at NDSU. The incumbent is also responsible for preparing the budget, controlling station fund expenditures, recruiting staff, and making salary and promotion recommendations for personnel employed at the ASF. The incumbent shall create an environment that fosters collegiality and must be able to work in a multicultural setting.
The incumbent is expected to work closely with the NDSU Foundation Seedstocks Program Director to plan, grow, and distribute seed increases. The incumbent must also collaborate with the main station scientists to support their research programs. This responsibility includes seedbed preparation, crop removal, and salvage of materials at the Dalrymple Experimental Plot adjacent to the ASF and at the Prosper Research Site, about 15 miles northeast of the ASF. The incumbent is expected to work closely with the New Crops project leader in the Department of Plant Sciences to assign research plot land at both the Dalrymple Experimental Plot and the Prosper Research Site.
The incumbent will prepare an annual report for the NDAES Director's office and the Agronomy Seed Farm Advisory Council for public dissemination. The incumbent is also expected to cooperate with the National Weather Service to provide weather data collected at the Agronomy Seed Farm and with the Spring Wheat Quality Advisory Council to conduct spring wheat grow-outs for quality evaluation.
The incumbent is expected to support educational programs in pedigree seed production and conditioning. The incumbent will also maintain public relations with community members by engaging a local advisory council, organizing summer field days, and, as requested by the Agronomy Seed Farm Advisory Council, the Director of the NDAES, or others, providing facilities, hospitality, and tours for meetings or groups.
Minimum Qualifications:
The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Housing and utilities can be provided at the station for the director and family. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a retirement plan and full coverage for family health insurance. More information about the benefits package is available at https://www.ndsu.edu/hr/benefits/ .
The role is anticipated to start on or about August 16 th , 2026.
Application Deadline:
The initial screening of applicants will begin on June 25, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. All applications received by the screening date will be fully considered.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications should be submitted online through the NDSU recruitment page by the close of business on June 25, 2026, for full consideration.
Applications should include:
Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Rich Horsley, the search committee chair, at ( richard.horsley@ndsu.edu ) or to Dr. Marlen Eve, NDAES Assistant Director for Field Operations, at ( marlen.eve@ndsu.edu ).
Local Community:
The Agronomy Seed Farm is a self-financed station comprising 735 acres of state-owned land plus 300 acres of leased land. It is located approximately two miles from Casselton in southeast North Dakota. Casselton is a community of 2,500 people with an active business environment and good schools surrounded by progressive intensive crop agriculture. Casselton is 20 miles from Fargo-Moorhead, a community of over 225,000 people, with North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Concordia College as major educational institutions.
Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words-it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. " My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person" and " I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you'll experience here.
NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!
Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
Health & Wellness
Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. • 23-12-10.
Veteran's Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information:
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu .
Benefits:
NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
Diversity Statement:
NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.
Description & Details:
The NDSU Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES) seeks applicants for the Director of the Agronomy Seed Farm (ASF) position. The Director will provide overall leadership for the ASF to fulfill its established mission and meet the needs of stakeholders in the North Dakota Foundation Seedstocks program and seed producers statewide. The Director oversees the ASF's daily operations, manages the Farm's budget, supervises personnel, oversees administrative and operational procedures, and manages external communications and stakeholder relations. This position reports to the Assistant Director for Field Operations at the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.
The Agronomy Seed Farm produces foundation seed for North Dakota seed growers and collaborates with NDAES scientists on research. NDAES scientists' research and outreach focus on developing new crop varieties and providing evaluations and data on varieties grown in North Dakota. The ASF manages extensive trials and the production of foundation seedstocks, using modern processing equipment for seed production, cleaning, conditioning, and distribution. Commercial-sized fields of old and new crop varieties, as well as potential variety releases, are grown and tested at the ASF, including hard red spring wheat, oats, barley, field pea, soybean, and others. The ASF's foundation seedstock production generates seed increases for plant breeders and ultimately provides seedstock that supplies the certified seed industry, serving as a springboard for nearly all crop production in the state that relies on public breeding programs. Producing adequate foundation seed is an imperative step in providing improved varieties from NDSU plant breeding programs to producers. The ASF is entirely self-financed by the sale of the seed it produces.
Position Responsibilities:
The incumbent is responsible for producing breeder- and foundation-grade seed and assisting with the coordination and distribution of new varieties through the NDSU Foundation Seedstocks program, housed in the Department of Plant Sciences at NDSU. The incumbent is also responsible for preparing the budget, controlling station fund expenditures, recruiting staff, and making salary and promotion recommendations for personnel employed at the ASF. The incumbent shall create an environment that fosters collegiality and must be able to work in a multicultural setting.
The incumbent is expected to work closely with the NDSU Foundation Seedstocks Program Director to plan, grow, and distribute seed increases. The incumbent must also collaborate with the main station scientists to support their research programs. This responsibility includes seedbed preparation, crop removal, and salvage of materials at the Dalrymple Experimental Plot adjacent to the ASF and at the Prosper Research Site, about 15 miles northeast of the ASF. The incumbent is expected to work closely with the New Crops project leader in the Department of Plant Sciences to assign research plot land at both the Dalrymple Experimental Plot and the Prosper Research Site.
The incumbent will prepare an annual report for the NDAES Director's office and the Agronomy Seed Farm Advisory Council for public dissemination. The incumbent is also expected to cooperate with the National Weather Service to provide weather data collected at the Agronomy Seed Farm and with the Spring Wheat Quality Advisory Council to conduct spring wheat grow-outs for quality evaluation.
The incumbent is expected to support educational programs in pedigree seed production and conditioning. The incumbent will also maintain public relations with community members by engaging a local advisory council, organizing summer field days, and, as requested by the Agronomy Seed Farm Advisory Council, the Director of the NDAES, or others, providing facilities, hospitality, and tours for meetings or groups.
Minimum Qualifications:
- M.S. from an accredited institution in an agricultural discipline such as agronomy, crop production, or another discipline related to moving breeder seed into a commercial seed product line.
- 3+ years of experience in plant breeding, crop production, and/or seed conditioning, preferably with familiarity with all aspects of the foundation seed production, conditioning, and distribution cycle.
- Working experience in operating and maintaining large-scale farm equipment, including familiarity with precision agriculture and auto-guidance equipment
- Organizational skills and experience managing projects, budgets, and resources.
- Experience managing and supervising employees collegially, fostering a collaborative environment and a culture of teamwork.
- Experience managing large operational budgets with transparency and accountability.
- Demonstrated ability to build and sustain strong working relationships with diverse agricultural clientele, agribusinesses, community groups, and local and state policymakers.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with scientists, agricultural producers, and other clients in agriculture and natural resources.
- Demonstrated effective use of technology in leadership, communication, and/or research.
- Ph.D. from an accredited institution in an agricultural discipline, such as agronomy, crop production, or another discipline related to moving breeder seed into a commercial seed product line.
- 5+ years of experience in plant breeding, crop production, and/or seed conditioning, preferably with familiarity with all aspects of the foundation seed production, conditioning, and distribution cycle.
- 1+ years of experience in agribusiness, leading a seed production operation and overseeing sales, delivery, payroll, cash flow, facilities management, and customer relations.
- Record of creativity, initiative, and an entrepreneurial approach to ensuring high-quality seed production and maintaining positive cash flow.
- Experience and accomplishments in research addressing the applicable research needs of North Dakota agriculture.
- Experience as a leader in multidisciplinary research, outreach, and/or service programs, with a record of accomplishments leading multidisciplinary teams and groups.
- Skilled at communicating effectively with diverse groups, including researchers, administrators, local farmers, agribusiness professionals, elected officials, and state legislators.
- Commitment to the core mission of a land-grant university, experience and understanding of administration and project development within a land-grant university, and the application of information technology to advance that mission.
- Ability to manage large, complex budgets.
- Ability to work across distances to accomplish seed production and distribution as part of the overall research and extension mission, in collaboration with the main station and the Research Extension Centers.
- Experience or knowledge of best practices in seedstock production, conditioning, and delivery for crops.
- Ability to manage people, lead, build teams, and delegate effectively.
- Ability to manage complex budgets.
- Ability to manage a sales network and build strong collaborative relationships across research, extension, and industry.
- Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with diverse agricultural clientele, agribusinesses, community groups, and local and state policymakers.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with scientists, agricultural producers, seed companies, and other clients involved in crop production and seed distribution.
- Effective use of technologies for leadership, communication, and/or research.
The position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Housing and utilities can be provided at the station for the director and family. The university offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a retirement plan and full coverage for family health insurance. More information about the benefits package is available at https://www.ndsu.edu/hr/benefits/ .
The role is anticipated to start on or about August 16 th , 2026.
Application Deadline:
The initial screening of applicants will begin on June 25, 2026, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected. All applications received by the screening date will be fully considered.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications should be submitted online through the NDSU recruitment page by the close of business on June 25, 2026, for full consideration.
Applications should include:
- A brief cover letter describing relevant experience, leadership approach, and vision for the position
- Current curriculum vitae
- Names and contact information (name, phone number, email, and institutional address) for three professional references
Questions regarding the position may be directed to Dr. Rich Horsley, the search committee chair, at ( richard.horsley@ndsu.edu ) or to Dr. Marlen Eve, NDAES Assistant Director for Field Operations, at ( marlen.eve@ndsu.edu ).
Local Community:
The Agronomy Seed Farm is a self-financed station comprising 735 acres of state-owned land plus 300 acres of leased land. It is located approximately two miles from Casselton in southeast North Dakota. Casselton is a community of 2,500 people with an active business environment and good schools surrounded by progressive intensive crop agriculture. Casselton is 20 miles from Fargo-Moorhead, a community of over 225,000 people, with North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University Moorhead, and Concordia College as major educational institutions.
Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words-it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. " My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person" and " I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you'll experience here.
NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!
Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
Health & Wellness
- 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
- Choice of PPO/Basic or High-Deductible Health Plan with HSA
- Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
- Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
- Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.
- Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
- Supportive work-life balance
- Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
- 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents
- Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
- Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
- Supplemental Retirement Plans
Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to: Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. • 23-12-10.
Veteran's Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information:
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu .
Benefits:
NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
Diversity Statement:
NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.