Research Specialist (Berti)

Position Information

Position Description & Details:

The Forage, Biomass and Cover Crop Production project in the Department of Plant Sciences, North Dakota State University, is seeking a Research Specialist to manage research trials and assist the PI with research experiments. The PI has several funded grants from USDA/NIFA, NC-SARE, and commodity groups. This is a 18 months federal grant-supported position. It could be extended based on funding availability and performance of the incumbent.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities for the full-time research specialist are: Assist the forage and biomass production project leader to develop management practices to improve forage, cover crops, and biomass crops production practices. This would include assisting in organizing and conducting scientific research in forages, cover crops, and biomass crops. Assist in planning experiments. Included would be the selection of appropriate procedures or methods to accomplish the tasks. Duties performed under general guidance of the project leader. To act as the lead research specialist to supervise and coordinate daily tasks needed in the project, including graduate students research.

Field research responsibilities include: Construction and implementation of field maps and plot design. Organize annual forage variety trials and order all materials needed before the season starts. Soil preparation (tillage), planting, plot maintenance, data collection, and harvest of the research plots using appropriate procedures or methods to accomplish all tasks. Laboratory responsibilities includes a) enter collected field data and make reports to the PI, b) grind and prepare samples for forage quality analysis, c) keep field plot management records organized , d) keep an up to date inventory in Excel of stored seeds (amount, germination %), stored chemicals and fertilizers, and samples, and e) calibrate and run the NIR to analyze the composition of forage, biomass, and seed samples. Greenhouse research management includes the culture of forage and cover crops research and educational material, assist graduate students with research in greenhouse and growth chambers, and supervise par-time student labor.

Advertised Salary: $43,000+/year

Minimum Qualifications:

• Earned B.S. in agronomy, plant sciences, soil science or closely related discipline
• Experience in field plot research and use and maintenance of field plot equipment
• North Dakota Certified Applicators License or ability to obtain shortly after start employment
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with growers and research professionals
• Computer competence in the use of Excel, Word, Power Point, and SAS
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and able to work with others in a multicultural environment.
• Valid U.S. driver license

Preferred Qualifications:

• M.S. degree in Plant Sciences or related areas
• Farm background or relevant farming experience in mechanized agriculture
• Knowledge in forage production research
• Knowledge in forage quality analysis, calibration and interpretation using a Near-infrared instrument
• CDL license

Special Conditions:

Operate and transport small to large-sized tractors, combines, harvesters, and implements, trucks, trailers and plot sprayers. Physically able to perform field research.

Physical Demands:

Operate and transport small to large-sized tractors, combines, harvesters, and implements, trucks, trailers and plot sprayers. Physically able to perform field research, keeling, lifting up to 50 lbs bags.

Applicant Materials Required:

Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met; 2) a detailed resume; 3) contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and email addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.

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.