Job Description

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

Researchers

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click theApply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program & Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:

AFIC@MCO

Department's Website:

of Job Duties:

The Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks (AFIC@MCO) is a 45,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art food processing and research facility designed to empower local food entrepreneurs and farmers. As part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, AFIC@MCO serves as a collaborative hub offering shared-use commercial kitchens, specialized processing capabilities, and technical assistance to support the growth of local food businesses.

The University of Arkansas is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial shared-use kitchen manager to lead the daily operations of the shared-use kitchen and support a growing ecosystem of food entrepreneurs across Northwest Arkansas. This individual will play a key role in facility management, tenant engagement, and program delivery while fostering innovation and business success.

Key Responsibilities

Commissary Kitchen Operations

· Manage daily operations of the shared-use commissary kitchen and tenant spaces

· Oversee tenant onboarding, orientations, and facility walkthroughs

· Assist with tenant profiles, scheduling, bookings, and billing

· Generate usage and impact reports using The Food Corridor software

· Coordinate kitchen reservations, station assignments, and equipment scheduling

· Ensure compliance with kitchen policies, SOPs, sanitation, and food safety standards

· Provide day-to-day tenant support and troubleshoot operational challenges

· Maintain readiness of shared equipment, prep stations, and common areas

· Coordinate equipment maintenance, repairs, and service schedules

· Monitor and manage inventory of sanitation supplies, smallwares, and janitorial items

· Oversee dry, refrigerated, and frozen storage assignments

· Conduct routine inspections for cleanliness, safety, and regulatory compliance

· Serve as the primary point of contact for tenant needs and facility access

· Document incidents, policy violations, and follow-up actions

· Support tenant retention through proactive communication and service

Entrepreneurship & Program Support

· Support networking events and outreach activities

· Participate in facility tours and stakeholder engagement efforts

· Mentor and support food entrepreneurs in business development and growth

· Increase tenant recruitment, retention, and overall facility utilization

· Contribute to grant writing and program development efforts

· Support and participate in educational programming for entrepreneurs

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree

· Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in culinary arts, food operations, or entrepreneurship

Preferred Qualifications

· Degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or a related field

· Experience supporting food startups, small businesses, or entrepreneurial ecosystems

· Demonstrated experience in grant writing and program development

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong leadership skills

· Experience managing food operations or food business enterprises

· Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders including entrepreneurs, industry partners, researchers, and community organizations

· Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills

· Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

· Problem-solving mindset with a customer-service orientation

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information:

Jean-Francois Meullenet, Director and Associate AVP for Ag Research, jfmeull@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

No Background Check Required

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment.The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check.Required checks are identified in the position listing.A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Feeling, Grasping, Hearing, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Standing, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Kneeling, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Sitting, Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes