Agricultural Research Specialist

State of North Carolina

9d

About The Position

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees. The Horticultural Crops Research Station is hiring an Agricultural Research Specialist. The individual in this position will oversee field research studies related to horticultural crop production. This position works collaboratively with the station managers, staff, and researchers to sustain and increase research capacity, capabilities, and efficiencies. Our ideal candidate will have farming or research experience in crop production that includes sweet potatoes, melons, tomatoes, peppers, squash, row crops, and new and emerging specialty crops. In addition, the candidate should have the ability to create pesticide spray programs and fertility programs based on crop needs; understand how to set up and calibrate spray and fertilizer application equipment; and be able to operate various farm equipment such as tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, and other machinery.

Requirements

• Knowledge of agricultural crop production
• Ability to set-up, calibrate, and operate various farm equipment
• Ability to learn research principles and methods, keep accurate field records, and communicate with research project leaders.
• Ability to perform maintenance on equipment used in agriculture.
• Valid driver’s license
• Must possess the following at the time of application or qualify for certification within twelve months of employment: Public Pesticide Applicator License Soil Fumigation Applicator License Forklift Driver Certificate issued by the Research Division
• Bachelor’s degree preferably related to the assigned program area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned research projects
• Maintaining accurate records of field activities; sampling and collecting data and frequent consultation with project leaders
• Field preparation; fertilization; irrigation; planting; pesticide application, cultivation; harvesting; calibration and acquisition of supplies.
• Supervise employees
• Maintain and repair buildings and equipment as needed.

Benefits

• Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level