Agronomy Research Specialist

North Dakota State University   Minot, ND   Full-time     Research & Development
Posted on November 27, 2024
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Description & Details:

The research specialist works closely with the research agronomist to organize, support, and assist in conducting research trials on soil and crop management, variety development, specialty crops, and cropping systems research. The Research Agronomist will supervise this position.

This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
  • Assist in planning and executing field and greenhouse trials to achieve research goals.
  • Operating field equipment such as planters, tractors, combines, tillage equipment, and drones.
  • Application of agricultural chemicals including pesticides and fertilizers.
  • General maintenance of facilities and field equipment.
  • Prepare field books and collect data on agronomic trials.
  • Plant and maintain research plots.
  • Seed preparation and post-harvest quality analysis.
  • Harvest, analyze, and generate reports.
The research specialist must be able to carry out these and other duties as assigned with general and minimal guidance from the research agronomist and the NCREC Director. The research specialist is also expected to develop close collaborations with faculty and staff in the NDSU Main Campus, North Central Research Extension Center personnel, and other Research Extension Centers.

The North Central Research Extension Center is one of seven out-state NDSU research extension centers. The center is located one mile south of Minot, a city of 45,000 in north central North Dakota. Minot is an All-American City with excellent health, educational, recreational, and community facilities and a modern international airport. The area is noted for small grain, oilseed, pulse crop, livestock, and energy production. More information about the area is available at http://www.minotchamber.org/community/ .

Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. in agronomy or a closely related discipline.
  • Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with clientele groups, colleagues, and scientists.
  • Experience in field crop production.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills are required.
  • Ability to conduct applied and basic research in the field, laboratory, and greenhouse.
  • Computer skills (data analysis and word processing).
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
  • Ability to operate field, laboratory, and greenhouse equipment.
  • Ability to obtain a CDL, ND Pesticide Certification and Drone License.
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Academic or research experience in field plot design and/or related disciplines.
  • Experience with crops, soils, weed science, and pest and disease scouting.
  • Experience with precision agriculture.
  • Experience with small plot equipment operation and maintenance.
  • Supervisory experience.
Applicant Materials Required:

Resume and cover letter.

NDSU OFFERS EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

Full time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan
    • Option of a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account
    • Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire
    • Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation
  • Superb Retirement Plan
    • Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
  • Basic Term Life Insurance
  • Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
  • Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
  • Paid Leave - including Annual leave, Sick Leave and 10 paid Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans
  • More Detailed Information Here: Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU
About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

Diversity Statement:

NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu .