TAPS Program Manager

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Operations

Lincoln, NE, USA

USD 56k-56k / year

Posted on May 15, 2026
Working Title TAPS Program Manager
Department Agronomy & Horticulture-0827
Requisition Number S_260371
Posting Open Date 05/15/2026
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 06/08/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work
The Testing Ag Performance Solution (TAPS) program is a statewide and multistate agricultural research and extension initiative focused on technology-enabled, data-driven decision making in crop production systems. This position leads day-to-day program operations with a strong emphasis on organization, project management, and coordinated communications across a large internal team and a broad external stakeholder network (farmers/participants, industry partners, agencies, and collaborators).

As the TAPS Program Manager, you will:
  • Serve as the operational and coordination lead for the TAPS program.
  • Independently manage complex, multi-location program activities involving research operations, stakeholder engagement, seasonal execution timelines, and coordination of participant management decisions.
  • Coordinate budget planning, expenditure tracking, and sponsor resource allocation in partnership with program leadership.
  • Serve as a central liaison among faculty, staff, producers, industry partners, sponsors, and collaborating institutions while leading program systems related to planning, communications, reporting, data coordination, and continuous improvement.

This position requires technical understanding of agricultural production systems, strong project management skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities in a dynamic seasonal environment.

Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as a Research Manager Plant Science.

About Us
Looking for a job where you can advance professionally and have time for life outside work?
At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
  • Comprehensive insurance options, including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
  • Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
  • Retirement plans with university match
  • A workplace culture that values your time outside of work

Learn more about working at UNL: https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, agribusiness, ag communications, or related field plus four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in program coordination, agricultural operations, research support, Extension, stakeholder engagement, or related work.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
  • Strong communication and relationship management skills.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:
  • Five (5) + years of experience working with agricultural producers or ag industry professionals.
  • Experience with ag field research, field operations, and agricultural data management.
  • Experience with grants, sponsorships, or external partnerships.
  • Experience coordinating events, outreach, or Extension programming.
  • Experience supervising students or temporary staff.
  • Master’s degree in related field preferred.
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required Yes
Physical Required No
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No
Criminal History Background Check Required Yes
Posted Salary $56,000/year minimum
How to Apply
Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter and list of references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Svetlana Chistopolskaya, schistopolskaya2@unl.edu
Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional
Job Type Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date
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