Research Specialist

Position Information

Position Description & Details:

This position is a research specialist position in support of the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Langdon Research Extension Center (LREC) overall Agricultural Experiment Station and Extension programs with a strong emphasis on crop production and foundation seed production. The research specialist will work with the director of the LREC to learn and eventually manage the Foundation Seedstock Program (FSS) at the LREC. The research specialist will participate in all field activities associated with seed production. This includes (but is not limited to) field preparation, planting, crop maintenance, pesticide application, performing maintenance on equipment, harvesting, and cleaning harvested crop to foundation grade seed. This position requires an excellent work ethic, attention to detail, self-motivation, ability to work constructively as a team and desire to keep learning and improving. The position requires a ND Commercial Pesticide Certification License.

Responsibilities:

Provide overall support for the FSS program.

Principle Responsibilities

• Work with the NDSU FSS team and local growers to identify what crop varieties to produce to foundation grade based on grower demand.
• Perform all aspects of crop production including but not limited to tilling, seeding, spraying, swathing, combining and grain management.
• Cooperate and coordinate with the other NDSU foundation seed producing stations regarding which crops and varieties to produce.
• Work with the other seed stations to facilitate statewide distribution of seed in the spring for FSS customers.
• Participate in FSS meetings with all seed producing stations held quarterly throughout the year

Secondary Responsibilities

Work with others to properly maintain our fleet of equipment, implements, etc. and assist others to keep station buildings up to code.

Work with others and follow any directions needed to properly maintain the CASE IH equipment program.

Work with others to keep our buildings up to code and to promote as efficient and healthy working conditions as possible.

Assist other station scientists and research specialists when appropriate and help to promote a unified team approach for the work done at the LREC.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. Overtime as needed.

Advertised Salary:

$50,000+ (Commensurate with education and experience.)

Benefitted - Includes retirement plan and full coverage for family health insurance.

Minimum Qualifications:

B.S. degree in ag related discipline.

Exhibited capability to operate large field scale agricultural equipment including but not limited to large tractors, seeders, sprayers, swathers, combines, etc.

Broad knowledge of agricultural production in ND.

Basic knowledge of computer applications.

Experience maintaining and or repairing farm equipment.

Good oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.

Current driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

M.S. degree in an agricultural discipline and crop production experience.

Experience operating seed cleaning equipment for desired results.

Applicant Materials Required:

Cover letter, diploma/transcript, resume, one letter of recommendation, and names and contact information for 3 professional references.

For inquiries contact Randy Mehlhoff, LREC Director at randall.mehlhoff@ndsu.edu or 701-256-2582.

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package with includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

About Us

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. Our main campus is located in Fargo, ND with Extension Service and Research Experiment Station locations across the entire state. NDSU has been listed in the Top 100 public research universities in the United States for research and development in agricultural sciences, psychology and social sciences, based on reported research expenditures.

NDSU is an exciting place to work offering a stimulating and diverse environment richly populated with people pursuing life-long learning and personal growth. Employees often attend on-campus cultural events, lectures, athletic events and enjoy walks through our beautiful campus.

NDSU employs over 6000 full-time and part-time employees across the state, making it the second largest employer in the community. NDSU is the best college in ND, according to Money Magazine (September 2018). NDSU was named a 2019 Best Value College by Forbes. Fargo made Livability.com's top 10 list of cities to find a job and ranked at #11 for best places to live overall.

NDSU offers a wide array of professional opportunities including faculty, executive, managerial, professional, technical, paraprofessional, office support, servers and crafts/trades. Like a small city, NDSU operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Full time employees are offered a superb benefit package to include 100% company paid health insurance premiums and tuition assistance for employees and immediate family members. All of us at NDSU play an important role in serving our students and public constituencies. We encourage motivated and talented team members that thrive in a higher-ed environment to join our university!

Mission

With energy and momentum, North Dakota State University addresses the needs and aspirations of people in a changing world by building on our land-grant foundation.

Additional Information

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.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

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