Research Specialist-Crop Variety Trials

Description & Details:

Job Title: Research Specialist - Crop Variety Trials

Location: Dickinson, ND

Job Type: Full Time Benefited

Department: Dickinson Research Extension Center

Reports To: Center Director

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Research Specialist to lead and support research focused on crop variety trials and assist colleagues with research implementation. The ideal candidate will bridge science and practice to inform producers, Extension agents, agronomy consultants, crop breeders, and others on variety performance on the great variety of crops grown in southwest North Dakota.

The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30pm. There would be some travel required for travel to off station research plots and attending meetings and conferences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement, install, manage, assess, analyze, and report crop variety trial results.
• Collaborate/share trial data with DREC research agronomist, other REC's, Extension personnel, crop breeders, and others.
• Analyze trial data and collaborate with colleagues.
• Center liaison with all interested individuals and collaborators of crop variety testing conducted at Dickinson and affiliated off-station locations.
• Assist in the implementation and management of Extension specialists and DREC Director with applied research projects.
• Assist in maintaining roadways, grounds maintenance, and maintain research grounds.
• Assist with capital improvement, deferred maintenance, and maintenance projects.
• Work safely and use personal protective equipment.
• Operate and maintain farm plot equipment.
• Operate and maintain agronomy laboratory equipment.
• Contribute to educational and outreach efforts, including workshops, trainings, and stakeholder engagement.
• Secure research funding through grants, partnerships, and cooperative agreements.
• Supervise research assistants, technicians, and graduate students (as applicable).
• Other duties as assigned.

Hiring Range: $40,000 - $50,000

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Protection, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with experiment implementation, field data collection, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and stakeholder groups.
• Experience operating and maintaining farm equipment including tractors, combines, plot planters, lawn mowers, skid steers, fertilizer and pesticide applicators and more.
• Familiarity with crop production systems in southwest North Dakota.
• Possess a commercial pesticide applicator's license or the ability to obtain.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to field sites.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Protection, or a closely related field.
• Possess a Certified Crop Advisor or similar certification.
• Experience in securing research funding and managing projects.
• Experience using farm equipment technologies (i.e. yield monitors, GIS/remote sensing technologies).
• Experience using Mirrus and Genovix software and HarvestMaster systems.

Core Competencies:

• Experience with experiment implementation, field data collection, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Experience operating and maintaining farm equipment.
• Experience with data collection, management, and analysis.
• Ability to work safely
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Familiarity with crop production systems in southwest North Dakota.

Applicant Materials Required:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• 3 references

Screening begins 10-25-2026

Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words-it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. " My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person" and " I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects