Program Associate - 12 MONTH

University of Arkansas System

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is seeking a Program Associate for its long-grain and aromatic rice breeding program. This role involves extensive field and laboratory activities, contributing to the development of new rice varieties and ensuring the genetic purity of existing lines. The Division of Agriculture operates as a statewide campus with faculty located across university campuses, research and extension centers, and every Arkansas county, employing over 1400 individuals. The organization is committed to providing a dynamic work environment that supports a healthy work-life balance. The position requires occasional travel to other research stations and a winter nursery in Puerto Rico.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in an Agriculture related field (agronomy, ag-business and farm management, soil science, crop production, crop science, weed science or other related agriculture field) plus 3 years of professional work experience in rice research, rice breeding or rice production OR an M.S. in a related field.
Experience in operating GPS guided tractor, cell and plot planters, research plot combines, tractor mounted sprayer, rice threshers and other field equipment.
Knowledge of how to troubleshoot field equipment, calibrate sprayers, planters and fertilizer spreaders.
Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data management.
A high level of technical competence.
Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
Ability to exercise initiative, make sound judgments, and work independently.
Ability to relate and respond to the needs of supervisors, subordinates and clientele.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor's degree in a related field plus 7 years of professional work experience OR a Master's degree specializing in Plant Breeding plus 3 or more years of professional work experience in rice research, rice breeding or rice production.

Responsibilities

Design field plans.
Collect data in both laboratory and field settings.
Maintain field and laboratory equipment.
Prepare seeds for planting.
Plant crops.
Perform maintenance of crops throughout the growing season, including levee maintenance, spraying pesticides, irrigation, and fertilizer application.
Harvest crops.
Clean seeds.
Summarize data from in-station and off-station experiments.
Operate GPS guided tractor, cell and plot planters, research plot combines, tractor mounted sprayers, threshers, and other field equipment.
Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs of field equipment.
Assist in the variety development program, including selecting lines and helping maintain the purity required for all lines and for seed production of new cultivars.
Occasionally travel to other stations and the winter nursery in Puerto Rico to assist in evaluation and harvesting.
Contribute to manuscript preparation and presentations in meetings, field days, and professional conferences.