Work Location: The LSU Agricultural Center is currently seeking extraordinary candidates for the Director of the Internet-of-Things for Digital Equity in Agriculture (IDEA) initiative. The AgCenter is a statewide organization with offices in every parish in Louisiana. This position will be domiciled in Baton Rouge, LA.
About the LSU Agricultural Center: The LSU AgCenter is one of 8 campuses within the LSU enterprise. The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish. More information can be found at www.lsuagcenter.com.
Position Description: The Program Director for the IDEA initiative will be responsible for leading the creation and execution of this state-wide program, designing deliverables, conducting various extension programming, monitoring the progress of program activities, and reporting to funding agency. This position reports to the Executive Associate Vice President and Director of the La. Agricultural Experiment Station (LAES). Specific duties are as follows:
Program Management: Serve as primary program point of contact and execution liaison between funding agency and the LSU AgCenter. Ensure program planning and implementation activities align with impact goals and regulations. Oversee program execution, ensuring milestones are met and activities/deliverables are completed through a formalized evaluation plan. Perform regular program performance monitoring and reporting to funding agency at bi-weekly meetings. Hire and manage program support staff. Select vendors through state procurement process and serve as the point of contact for these contracted professionals. Manage subawards to research and development (R&D) grantees for the advancement of precision agriculture technologies.
Program Design: In collaboration with stakeholders, create a needs assessment that will help develop project objectives and implementation strategies. Design the Internet of Things (IoT) precision agriculture sensor network for the IDEA initiative, including types of sensors to be used, placement on farms, and integration of these sensors with existing farm management systems. Create a centralized data monitoring system to provide continuous monitoring of installed sensors. Develop a user-friendly mobile application and web-based platform to enable producers to access real-time data. Create application and selection process for producers to apply for funding to support deployment and maintenance of sensor nodes on private farms. Create a technical assistance plan to support producers that adopt these technologies. Create an application and evaluation process to fund R&D grants for researchers and institutions to receive funding for projects that advance the adoption of precision agriculture practices.
Community Outreach: Create a community outreach plan. Design curriculum and associated training program for AgCenter personnel, producers, and interested stakeholders. Conduct workforce training programs, field days, workshops, and other educational events to target small to medium size farms to adopt the practice of precision agriculture.
Qualification Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. At least 5 years of experience in project management. Proven track record of managing multimillion dollar projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. Master’s degree, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and previous public sector preferred.
LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (per La. RS 42:36).
Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: : Qualified candidates must apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching file(s) containing a curriculum vita, a letter of application, official university transcripts, and two letters of reference. Questions about the online application system should be directed to the HRM Office at 225/578-0324 or hrmhelp@agcenter.lsu.edu. (Paper, faxed, or emailed application materials will not be accepted.) In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to:
Andy Schade
Research Support Coordinator
Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station
LSU AgCenter
Baton Rouge, LA
Email: aschade@agcenter.lsu.edu
Phone: 225-578-5162
Website: www.lsuagcenter.com
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
