Research Specialist V

3 weeks ago

Weslaco, United States Texas A&M AgriLife Full time
Job Title
Research Specialist V

Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department
Weslaco

Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate

Job Location
Weslaco, Texas

Job Type
Staff

Job Description

The Research Specialist V, under the supervision of the Weslaco Center Director and Weslaco Center Faculty coordinates and plans the research experimental trial work for the Centers faculty, postdocs and graduate students while also planning and coordinating field location crop production and management efforts, which may involve planning and directing certain phases of research projects. This individual will be responsible for the field trials and testing efforts of Texas A&M AgriLife Research at Weslaco.

Core Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for the Weslaco field stations, trials, field equipment, irrigation and management and organization of field station related buildings, which requires operating a vehicle.
  • Provides research support expertise. Facilitates various trail tests or experiments requiring planning, creativity, foresight, and judgment.
  • Manage daily operations of Weslaco field stations and associated locations through direction provided by the Center Director and Center Faculty.
  • Plan and direct all planting, crop maintenance, including weed and pest control, and provide assistance for the harvest of yield trials at multiple locations in the Texas Rio Grande Valley, which requires operating a vehicle.
  • Follow safety protocols and train employees to follow safety protocols and to operate equipment with safety in mind.
  • Record keeping of all agrochemicals and application dates.
  • Maintain a pesticide applicators license and be responsible for chemical purchase, proper storage, proper applications, and proper disposal when necessary.
  • Maintain, operate, repair, and update small plot and production field equipment. This includes replacing current equipment with newer equipment that will increase precision and/or efficiency. Equipment maintenance and operations will include software updates and computer expertise for efficient data collection and transfer.
  • Design and implement field experiments for collaborating programs, including Breeding, Crop Physiology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Agriculture Engineering.
  • Actively participate in regular meetings with the Center Director, Center Faculty and supervised students and staff and be part of the decision-making for field experiment and production planning.
  • Audit program protocols and update protocols when needed.
  • Coordinate with Program staff to plan and facilitate field days and similar events, which requires operating a vehicle.
  • Schedules work assignments and trains employees to do job tasks.
  • Responsible for evaluating farm services employee performance.
  • Maintains monthly equipment, consumables (diesel, gasoline, etc.) inventories.
  • Maintains accountability of tools, supplies, and equipment.
  • Keep inventory of certifications (CEUs, pesticide licenses, etc.).
  • Assists in training, supervising and coaching staff to perform work safely on the farm and seek training opportunities for further professional development.
  • Completes Request for Purchase documentation and submits for approval as appropriate.
  • Assists in maintaining adequate custodial care of all farm buildings.
  • Inspect farm buildings, grounds, and equipment to determine maintenance work or repairs.
  • Assists in implementing short and long-term plans using technology to improve productivity and optimize performance.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in breeding, agriculture, horticulture, biology, or plant science and 12 years of experience in agronomic research or related area.
  • Or, Master's degree in breeding, agriculture, horticulture, biology, or plant science and 10 years of experience in agronomic research or related area.
  • Or, Doctorate degree in breeding, agriculture, horticulture, biology, or plant science and 8 years of experience in agronomic research or related area.

Required Licenses and Certifications:
  • Valid drivers license.
  • Pesticide applicators License

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Greenhouse, hydroponic, or growth-chamber experience a benefit.
  • Ability to operate machinery/farm equipment including combines, tractors, CDL etc.
  • Attention to detail - identify problems early, good communications, personal responsibility.
  • Good basic computer skills.
  • Ability to effectively utilize a computer and applicable software to create databases, derive replicated trails, perform statistical analyses, present data and perform other computer related tasks.
  • Cultivate/maintain a field-ready work ethic, great sense of initiative, enjoy outdoor work, work in wet, hot, or cold conditions
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills.
  • Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
  • Innovative and problem-solving attitude

Other Requirements:
  • Ability to lift moderately heavy objects (~ 50lbs).
  • Requires working in extreme weather conditions such as wet, hot or cold conditions.
  • Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends.

"this position is grant funded and contingent on funding availability"

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.

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