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Research Plot Technician

Employer
University of Minnesota
Location
Crookston, Minnesota
Salary
Commensurate with experience

View more

Industry
Agriculture
Role
Mechanic/Technician
Job Type
Long-Term
Hours
Full Time

If you are interested in agriculture and want to learn more about how research affects the world; then this is the job for you.

Position and/or Unit Overview:

We, at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center in Crookston, are looking for an individual that loves the outdoors, is willing to work in a full-time position, is willing to get their hands dirty, to be part of a terrific team in a small department of dedicated research specialists, watch the crops grow and smell that clean air. If this fits you, go online and log on to http://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs  and search for job opening number: 351799. Contact Michael Leiseth at 218.281.8622 or email at leiseth@umn.edu with questions about the position.

Small plot research consists of duplicating the practices of commercial farming but at a much smaller scale and at the same time incorporating and evaluating a new practice or product. Daily activities will be in many ways like farming on a very small scale. A plot can be two square feet and up to three-quarters of an acre. A research plot technician is a person that is detailed orientated, motivated, takes pride in their work, and strives to see results. This person works hands-on with 16 different crops, operates, and maintains specialized equipment such as John Deere and Wintersteiger, and works with a group of individuals called the Research Support Group. The Research Support Group works together to plant, maintain, collect data, and harvest all of our 16 different crops.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):

40% Fieldwork: consists of tillage, planting, spraying, and harvesting, using tractors and specialized research equipment. Research plot maintenance and gain knowledge of how to manage and maintain the crops.

30% General plot management and maintenance activities include the safe operation of tractors, mechanical equipment, fertilizers, and pesticides.

15% Record keeping: observation notes, data collection, and inventory.

15% Other duties: collect and process samples while following protocol, and equipment calibration, and participate in or lead in equipment and facilities maintenance, repair, and upkeep.

Required Qualifications:

  1. High school graduate or equivalent, and two years related education and/or experience. Evidence of being observant and detail-oriented, following both written and verbal instructions, and being a willing participant in a team atmosphere.  Evidence of servicing and maintaining agricultural equipment Must have currently or the ability to acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a pesticide applicators license by the end of the probationary period of six (6) months.

What do you do as Research Plot Technician? A research plot technician is a person that is detailed orientated, motivated, takes pride in their work, and strives to see results. This person works hands-on with 16 different crops, operates and maintains specialized equipment such as John Deere and Wintersteiger, and works with a group of individuals called the Research Support Group. The Research Support Group works together to plant, maintain, collect data, and harvest all 16 different crops. The research we do in the plots helps our University of Minnesota crop breeders develop new varieties that may help eradicate disease, or maybe find that new bin buster every farmer has been looking for.

 

 

 

 

 

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