"Magnusson Researcher 3"

The Northwest Research and Outreach Center (NWROC) in Crookston is part of the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS). NWROC is hiring a full-time Research Professional 3 to assist in managing and supporting small plot research that takes place 100% onsite at the Magnusson Research Farm in Roseau, MN. The Magnusson Research Farm comprises forty acres of land located 4 miles west of Roseau, MN.

The Magnusson Research Farm plays a critical role in turf, forage, and cover crop research and breeding projects at the University of Minnesota.

This position has the option to be a 9 or 12-month appointment, and this flexibility is up to the candidate. Both appointments offer complete benefit options.

Position Overview
The Research Professional 3 position reports to Research Supervisor 4, who is located at the NWROC. Principal investigators (PIs) submit research requests online which are directed at the Research Plot Manager for approval. A Research Professional 3 position is on site at Magnusson Farm and supports the research projects with input from the PIs. The position works with the PIs to help solve agronomic problems in various cropping systems in northern Minnesota. The position coordinates field activities from site preparation, plot layout, planting, treatment applications, general maintenance, note taking, and harvesting in collaboration with the project leaders. Independence, communication, and critical thinking are key factors in this position.

Benefits for both appointments: The University of Minnesota offers and subsidizes full medical and dental plans. In this position, you are automatically signed up for life insurance at no cost. We also offer a comprehensive wellbeing program; retirement plans; tuition benefits; leadership development and training; and much more.

The 9-month appointment will have a break in the appointment from approximately December through February each year. During the break in the appointment, benefits continue to be active and subsidized by the University.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages)

1. Research Plot Management and Site Maintenance 30%
   • Follow complex research and coordinate plot management plans on numerous crops with each crop requiring its own specifications according to a project PI. Independently plan and prepare field experiments including those activities unique to conducting research: plot layout, specialized tillage operations, fertilizer, pesticide applications, application of plot treatments, plot maintenance, and plot harvest. Independently manage general plot management and site maintenance activities that include, but are not restricted to tractor operations, mechanical equipment operations, and fertilizer and pesticide handling.
2. General Site and Equipment Maintenance 20%
   • Manage the maintenance of plots, farming equipment, and facilities. Perform maintenance, repair, and upkeep as needed. Maintain records, monitor and maintain operating inventories and place orders as needed in supplies, fertilizers, pesticides and equipment.
3. Experiments and Sample/Data Collection 15%
   • Perform complex experiments on sample collections to be compiled and used in statistical analysis. Processing activities that can include plant and soil selection for sampling, specific collection protocols, weighing, drying, grinding, sub sampling, packaging, and sample shipment.
4. Data Collection 15%
   • Provide detailed observations of each crop while generating, recording, analyzing and summarizing data. Electronically record information into Excel and other programs to include, but is not all inclusive of, observation notes and data collection, activity and inventory logs, and pesticide application records. Monitor four MAWN (MN version of NDAWN) stations at Mavie (by Thief River Falls), Winaska, Williams, and west of Greenbush, MN.
5. Laboratory Setup 10%
   • Organize and set up lab equipment, calibrate equipment necessary for the successful completion of research tasks. Equipment can include specialized planters, sprayers, fertilizer applicators and scales.
6. Supervision 5%
   • Responsibilities to supervise part time summer labor as needed.
7. Meetings and Events 5%
   • Attend local and regional agricultural meetings and field days to network with university, crop consultants, growers and other agricultural stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least four (4) years of relevant experience in agriculture, or an advanced degree plus at least two (2) years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least eight (8) years.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to obtain a Certified Pesticide Applicator License for applying herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, etc., or the ability to obtain a license within six (6) months of hire.
• Evidence of good communication and collaboration skills. Evidence of being observant and detail-oriented, and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Evidence of using a computer and Google workspace, which is the preferred method in sharing data. Must have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs for processing and data entry/analysis.
• Ability to drive a pick-up truck with a trailer. Ability to load a trailer with a tractor or combine.
• Ability to pass a respirator fit test.

Desired Qualifications

• MSc. in plant pathology, plant breeding, agronomy, biology, or related fields.
• Experience in field research.
• Demonstrated ability to operate and maintain field research equipment such as tractors, tillage equipment, plot planters, and sprayers.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities: The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.