Extension Associate - Fruit Crop Field Research

Job Description

The Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service is seeking highly motivated applicants for a Research Technician I position to assist with management of fruit research plots and nursery / greenhouse plant material.

Crops include apricot, apple, fi g, kiwifruit, peach, pineapple guava, plum, persimmon, and various other alternative fruits.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience with all aspects of orchard, nursery, and greenhouse management, while being involved with cutting-edge research on exciting new fruit crops and innovative management strategies.

This position will be predominantly field work but may also include some lab activities and limited travel. The field research site is located at the Horticulture Teaching, Research, and Extension Center (Hort-TREC), or approximately 10 miles southwest of the Texas A&M-College Station campus.

An all-terrain utility vehicle and a departmental truck will be available for use, while on the farm and for work-related errands, depending on availability.

Currently, this position is limited to 3 years. However, duration may be extended, depending on funding availability.

Qualifications

Required Education :

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, or related discipline

Required Experience :

2 years experience with field crops and / or nursery / greenhouse production (may include time as student-worker, if applicable)

Preferred Experience :

Hands-on experience with fruit / nut crops and / or nursery / greenhouse management and experience operating power tools, tractors, and farm equipment

Required Licenses and Certifications :

Be able to obtain a Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Pesticide Applicators License (paid for by employer)

Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Self-motivation, ability to work long hours in heat, cold, etc.

Ability to supervise and lead undergraduate student-workers and graduate students

Ability to operate power tools and farm equipment including zero-turn mowers and tractors (may learn while on job)

Willingness to handle chemicals such as fertilizers and plant growth regulators and regularly make pesticide (insecticide, miticide, fungicide, and herbicide) applications

Ability to regularly lift at least 20 pounds and occasionally up to pounds

Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Other Requirements :

This position is a supervisory position that has the authority to hire employees or whose recommendations for hiring, termination or other change of employment status are given strong consideration.

Employee customarily and regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment and have the authority to make important decisions.

Job Responsibilities

60% Fruit Field Plot Management - Planting; pruning / training; weed control; pest / disease management; irrigation management;

fertility / plant nutrition management; supervising other staff

25% Nursery and Greenhouse Management - Watering; potting; assisting with propagation; greenhouse pest / disease management

10% Travel and Data Collection - Data collection; operation of lab equipment (Licor, pressure bomb, etc.); travel to other field research sites within the state and potentially traveling to conferences / workshops out of state (occasional)

5% : Other Duties - Performs other duties as assigned.

Machines or equipment used in the performance of essential duties :

Tractor

Zero-turn mower

John Deere gator or similar ATV

Computer

Telephone

State truck