Research Support (Research Associate) (#81781T)

Temporary / Permanent :

Temporary

Salary Information : Salary schedules and placement information

Duties and Responsibilities

• Carries out a variety of horticultural, agronomic and livestock activities in connection with the research and extension programs conducted at the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) sites at Waimanalo Research Station and other O'ahu County facilities.
• Works closely with Senior Administrative, Professional and Technical (APT) research support, faculty and agricultural technicians to ensure work assignments relating to research activities are carried out accurately and as scheduled.
• Provides assistance to faculty in the conduct and completion of all phases of projects. Duties may include measuring and laying out experimental plots, fumigating, fertilizing, preparing soil, seeding and planting / harvesting various crops, working with livestock, measuring and mixing fertilizers and applying accurately testing and adjusting pH of soil, selecting and planting seedlings and cuttings;

removing drip irrigation, harvesting, taking measurements and recording data and keeping records of projects as well as time spent on projects.

• Uses basic instruments, equipment, and / or supplies in the daily routine of agriculture research activities. Work includes the application and documentation of chemicals which require the safe application of pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides.
• Initiates and facilitates business-related purchases for O'ahu County using a University of Hawai'i Purchasing Card (PCard)
• Maintains documentation for Institute Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) projects involving livestock.
• Assists in maintaining the agriculture fields, vegetation and facilities; including field preparation of experimental plots and any other related field and facility maintenance tasks to support the research projects housed at O'ahu County's off campus facilities.
• Complies with health and safety regulations, including pesticide regulations.
• Works with the County Administrator and Senior APT Research Support to manage research plot allocation requests and project implementation processes.
• Consults with Senior Research Support, faculty and agricultural technicians regarding operations needed for each project and implements the most cost effective and efficient means to accomplish operations within labor, facility, and equipment availability.
• Procures essential and necessary farm related field supplies and services which includes worker related health and safety materials.
• Keeps detailed records of the field research operations of each project including utilization of labor, equipment, tractors and vehicles, rainfall, and other climactic data.
• Maintains inventory of standard extension supplies and materials; this may include preparing documentation for purchase of research supplies and materials and assisting with care and maintenance of various equipment.
• Communicates effectively with faculty, agricultural technicians, Senior APT, Research Support and County Administrator orally and in writing.
• Works outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Denotes essential functions

Minimum Qualifications :

Possession of a baccalaureate degree in agriculture, agricultural engineering, plant and soil sciences or related field and 0 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for management of facilities, equipment and employees;

or any equivalent combination of education and / or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.

• Functional knowledge of principles, practices & techniques in the area of agriculture demonstrated by knowledge, understanding & ability to apply concepts, terminology.
• Functional knowledge & understanding of principles, theories, federal & state laws, rules, regulations & systems associated with agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize problems, identify possible causes & resolve the full range problems that may commonly occur in agriculture.
• Demonstrated ability to understand oral & written documentation, write reports & procedures, & communicate effectively in a variety of situations.
• Demonstrated ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with internal & external organizations, groups, team members & individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and, Excel, PowerPoint.

Supplemental Minimum Qualifications :

Ability to operate farm equipment including tractors, mechanical sprayers, golf carts, 3-wheel and 4-wheel vehicles, and all small equipment (e.

g. chainsaws, string trimmers, mowers, etc.)

• This position requires the application of pesticides including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. An annual physicians' approval to use a respirator and an annual University of Hawai'i Environmental Health and Safety Respiratory Certification is required.
• The applicant selected must, within one (1) year from the date of hire, obtain medical clearance, training, and fit-testing to use a respirator;

obtain a State of Hawai'i Department of Agriculture, Private Category 1 License

• Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawai i Driver's license (Class 3), comparable driver's license, or other means of transportation which meets position needs.
• Ability to be flexible on hours due to faculty's field day and outreach activities held in the late afternoons and on weekends.

Desirable Qualifications :

• Familiarity with CTAHR research & extension facilities on O'ahu.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, procedures and techniques of agricultural research and Cooperative Extension.
• Working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with OSHA, WPS, EPA.
• Knowledge of University of Hawai'i fiscal accounting systems, administrative policies and procedures.
30+ days ago