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Referatsleitung (w/m/d) des Referats Ökologie, Biodiversität - Job Opportunity at Staatsministerium Baden-Württemberg

Freiburg, Germany
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 14, 2025
On-site
EUR 65,000 - 85,000 annually, based on the A14/E14 pay grade in Baden-Württemberg public service, with the upper range reflecting the senior leadership responsibilities and specialized expertise required for this role

Benefits

Comprehensive public sector benefits package providing exceptional job security and stability compared to private sector positions
Subsidized public transportation JobTicket reducing commuting costs and supporting sustainable mobility
Extensive professional development and continuing education opportunities funded by the organization
Strong work-life balance initiatives prioritized by the institution
Occupational health promotion programs supporting employee wellbeing
Flexible working arrangements with part-time opportunities available

Key Responsibilities

Lead and strategically direct the Ecology and Biodiversity department, overseeing critical research initiatives that shape regional agricultural policy and environmental sustainability practices
Drive innovative research on pest management and ecosystem interactions, directly impacting the economic viability and environmental sustainability of Baden-Württemberg's wine industry
Develop and implement integrated pest management strategies that balance agricultural productivity with ecological preservation, influencing industry standards across the region
Oversee third-party funded research projects, securing external funding and partnerships that enhance the institute's research capacity and regional influence
Execute national monitoring programs for vineyard pests, contributing to federal agricultural policy and risk assessment frameworks
Provide expert consultation and develop advisory materials that directly influence farming practices across thousands of hectares of vineyards
Contribute to educational programs training the next generation of agricultural professionals and researchers
Represent the institute at industry events and stakeholder meetings, positioning the organization as a thought leader in sustainable viticulture

Requirements

Education

University degree (Diploma/University) in Agricultural Sciences, Viticulture, or Biology with specialized knowledge in Entomology, or equivalent Master's degree

Experience

Extensive practical experience in viticulture, field research methodology, and fundamental research

Required Skills

Einschlägige Erfahrungen in den beschriebenen Aufgabengebieten Praktische Kenntnisse und Erfahrungen in den Bereichen Weinbau, Freilandversuchswesen sowie Grundlagenforschung Gute Englischkenntnisse in Wort und Schrift Strategisches Denkvermögen Kreativität und Innovationsbereitschaft Hohes Maß an Eigeninitiative Verhandlungskompetenz Didaktische und pädagogische Fähigkeiten Teamfähigkeit Kenntnisse in der Personalführung

Certifications

Completed preparatory service for higher agricultural service (preferred) Recognition of foreign qualifications through ZAB if applicable
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The agricultural sector is experiencing unprecedented pressure to adopt sustainable practices while maintaining productivity, driven by EU Green Deal policies and consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. This creates significant opportunities for professionals specializing in ecological pest management and biodiversity conservation in agricultural systems. Digital transformation in agriculture is accelerating, with precision agriculture, IoT sensors, and predictive modeling becoming standard tools for pest management and crop monitoring. Organizations are seeking leaders who can bridge traditional agricultural expertise with modern technological solutions. Climate change is fundamentally altering pest dynamics and ecosystem relationships in European viticulture, creating urgent demand for adaptive management strategies and research-based solutions that can help the industry maintain resilience in changing environmental conditions.

Role Significance

The role involves leading a specialized research team of approximately 8-15 professionals, including researchers, technicians, and support staff, within the broader context of a 100-person research institute
This is a senior leadership position requiring both deep technical expertise and substantial management capabilities. The role holder will be responsible for strategic direction of a critical research department and will influence policy and practice across the regional wine industry.

Key Projects

Multi-year ecosystem research studies examining biodiversity impacts of different vineyard management practices Development of integrated pest management protocols for emerging climate-related agricultural challenges Cross-institutional research collaborations with universities and international agricultural research organizations Implementation of EU-mandated monitoring programs for agricultural sustainability metrics

Success Factors

Ability to translate complex ecological research into practical applications that farmers and policymakers can implement effectively, requiring strong communication skills and industry understanding Strategic thinking capability to anticipate future challenges in sustainable agriculture and position research initiatives to address emerging needs before they become critical problems Leadership skills to manage interdisciplinary research teams while maintaining scientific rigor and meeting both academic and practical objectives Grant writing and project management expertise to secure external funding and manage complex, multi-stakeholder research initiatives Political acumen to navigate the intersection of scientific research, agricultural policy, and industry interests in a public sector environment

Market Demand

High demand exists for professionals combining ecological expertise with agricultural applications, particularly in regions with significant wine production where sustainable practices are becoming market imperatives

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Entomological expertise is absolutely essential as pest management forms the core of the role's technical responsibilities, requiring deep understanding of insect biology, ecology, and control methods in agricultural systems. This knowledge directly impacts the economic viability of regional wine production. Leadership and personnel management skills are crucial for success in directing a research department, coordinating complex projects, and maintaining team productivity in a public sector environment where motivation strategies differ from private sector approaches. Strategic thinking ability is critical for positioning research initiatives to address future industry challenges, securing funding, and ensuring research outcomes remain relevant to evolving agricultural and environmental policy frameworks.

Beneficial Skills

Fluency in additional European languages beyond English would enhance collaboration opportunities with international research partners and expand the scope of potential research collaborations across European wine regions Experience with digital agriculture technologies and data analytics would position the role holder to lead the institute's adaptation to precision agriculture trends and enhance research methodologies Grant writing experience and familiarity with EU research funding mechanisms would significantly enhance the ability to secure external funding and expand research scope and impact

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines high-level scientific research with direct practical application in a economically significant regional industry, offering the opportunity to see research translate directly into environmental and economic benefits
The position offers rare access to long-term longitudinal studies and comprehensive regional datasets that are typically unavailable in private sector or purely academic positions
The role provides unusual breadth, spanning fundamental ecological research, applied pest management, policy development, and education, offering diverse professional challenges within a single position
Working within the German public research system provides exceptional stability and resources for long-term research projects while maintaining direct connection to industry needs and policy development

Career Growth

Progression to executive leadership roles typically occurs within 5-8 years, given the specialized expertise and leadership experience this role provides

Potential Next Roles

Institute Director or Deputy Director positions within agricultural research organizations Senior policy advisor roles within state or federal ministries of agriculture International agricultural development positions with organizations like FAO or EU agricultural agencies Senior research positions with major agricultural companies focusing on sustainable practices

Company Overview

Staatsministerium Baden-Württemberg

The State Wine Institute Freiburg operates as a specialized research facility under the Baden-Württemberg State Ministry, focusing on viticulture research and education. As a state enterprise with approximately 100 employees, it represents one of Germany's key centers for wine industry research and development.

The institute holds a significant position in European viticulture research, particularly in sustainable wine production methods. Baden-Württemberg is one of Germany's premier wine regions, giving the institute substantial influence over industry practices and policy development.
Located in the heart of one of Germany's most important wine regions, the institute serves as a critical bridge between research and practice, directly influencing thousands of hectares of vineyard management and supporting a regional industry worth hundreds of millions of euros annually
The public sector research environment emphasizes long-term thinking, scientific rigor, and public service mission, with strong job security and emphasis on work-life balance. The culture values collaborative research, knowledge sharing, and practical application of scientific findings.
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