Research Specialist

Position Information

The research specialist works in close concert with the research agronomist to provide organization, support, and assistance needed to conduct variety development, specialty crop and cropping systems research. The Research Agronomist will provide supervision for this position.

This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

• Assist in planning and executing field trials to achieve research goals.

Operating field equipment including planters, tractors, combines and tillage equipment.

Application of ag. 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. Also, it is expected that the research specialist develops close collaborations with faculty and staff in the NDSU Departments of Plant Sciences, Plant Pathology, and Entomology, and other North Central Research Extension Center personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. in agronomy or closely related discipline or the equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, which could be 5 or more years of directly related experience, or an A.S. degree and 3 years of directly related experience.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with clientele groups, colleagues, and scientists.
• Experience in a field crop production.
• Computer skills (data analysis and word processing).
• Effective English-oral and written communication skills are required.
• Ability to conduct applied and basic research in the field, laboratory, and greenhouse.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to operate field, laboratory, and greenhouse equipment.
• Ability to obtain a CDL and ND Pesticide Certification
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

About Us

The North Central Research Extension Center specializes in crop research and foundation seedstock production. The Center conducts agricultural research designed to increase productivity of all agricultural products of the soil while maintaining or improving the soil resource base in the dryland agricultural region of north central North Dakota by the identification of adapted crop species and superior crop cultivars and the development of profitable cropping systems that achieve the necessary balance between profitability and conservation of all natural resources. The Center disseminates research results and information for the benefit of the state. The Center operates asubstantial seed increase program. Each year, the staffplants and carefully monitors 20 or more crop varieties on 1500 acres to produce quality Foundation seed for distribution throughout the state.

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/ .

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.