Essential Job Duties

The successful candidate will contribute to several projects in the field studying cover crop breeding and testing new technology developed by our program. The position's main responsibilities include assisting in setting up research field plots, planting, maintaining, and harvesting; in general, care of field research projects. The incumbent will ensure data collection, management guidelines, and protocols are being always met.

This position will work with equipment common in an agricultural environment and should be comfortable driving a truck and trailer at highway speeds for long distances for field work. The position will need to be familiar with methods of microplot establishment and maintenance within larger full plots. The incumbent will maintain relationships with growers to keep their interest in the research study and continue their involvement in data collection efforts. In addition, load and unload equipment, make basic repairs, and instruct research personnel on how to use equipment for experiments.

This position will supervise a team of undergraduate and temporary biweekly employees. The incumbent must possess great communication skills, and will coordinate multiple concurrent experiments, and can complete field assignments in a timely manner. The position includes approximately 40% time on campus and 60% time at field sites and is subject to change. Daily working hours may vary during peak season.

1. Field Research and Experiment Management

Establish, plant, maintain, and harvest cover crop research plots in accordance with study protocols.
Coordinate multiple concurrent experiments, ensuring timely execution of all field activities.
Maintain accurate and detailed field records while adhering to established research standards and guidelines.

2. Equipment Operation and Maintenance

Operate agricultural equipment, including tractors, planters, and harvesters, to support field research activities.
Load, transport, and unload machinery using trucks and trailers in a safe and efficient manner.
Perform routine equipment maintenance and conduct minor repairs to ensure operational readiness.

3. Data Collection and Quality Control

Collect, organize, and manage experimental data in compliance with research protocols and quality standards.
Monitor field plots to ensure consistency, accuracy, and integrity across test locations.
Assist in data analysis and effectively communicate findings to research scientists.

4. Personnel Supervision and Training

Supervise undergraduate and temporary staff engaged in field and data collection activities.
Provide hands-on training in safety procedures, equipment operation, and research methodologies.
Promote a collaborative, safe, and productive work environment that supports team success.

5. Collaboration and Communication

Collaborate with breeding and crop science teams to implement and achieve research objectives.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with growers and external research partners.
Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to shifting priorities, seasonal demands, and evolving field schedules.

Other Work/Responsibilities

Supervise and manage junior technician and team of temporary biweekly employees.
Cooperatively work with a varied group of crop and breeding scientists in the collection of data and communicating research results.
Driving light equipment such as tractors and agricultural machinery.
Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Experience/Education

Master's degree in Plant Science, Soil Science, Agronomy or related field, or a Bachelor's degree in Plant Science or Agronomy plus 4 years of experience

Required Qualifications

Excellent oral and written communication skills.
The ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment is paramount.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and data management skills.
Understanding of a wide variety of cropping systems across different environments.
Thorough understanding of the agronomic research field design, and be able to organize a field for statistical soundness.
Basic technical understanding of agronomic principles of field crops and some knowledge of the equipment used to plant and harvest such crops.
Demonstrated ability to follow standard field protocols as well as the technical knowledge to develop and communicate new protocols as needed.
Ability to concentrate on repetitive tasks and proper labeling of samples, as well as attention to detail and competency with field maps.
Ability to enter and interpret data from research trials, and maintain data logging software and sensor equipment.
Ability to coordinate multiple concurrent experiments and complete field assignments in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications

Basic knowledge of data flow and understanding how smaller aspects of a project lend themselves to a bigger question.
Creativity and willingness to use power tools.
Ability to recall information about protocols in a quick and timely manner.
Previous team management
Data management skills and experience in Microsoft Excel

Required License or Certification

A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.
A valid Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment.