Program Technician - Forages

University of Arkansas System • Little Rock, AR

19h • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is seeking a Program Technician - Forages. This position will work under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Kubesch in forage agronomy, involving pot studies, small plot work, and grazing trials. The technician will gain experience in laboratory and field techniques, conduct research, and may be involved with laboratory analyses, project design, data collection, and program implementation. Responsibilities include data analyses, technical writing, public speaking at field days and conferences, and supporting outreach activities, potentially including social media management. Scholarly activity leading to publications and presentations is a possibility. Some evening and weekend work is expected, along with regular travel around Arkansas, driving trucks and loaded trailers, and maintaining equipment. The role involves planting, maintaining, and harvesting experimental trials, scouting and sampling experiments, processing and analyzing samples, and documenting research and extension activities.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in Animal Science, Crop Science, Botany, Natural Resources or closely related discipline.
• Ability to work with animals in their natural environment.
• Ability to collect samples.
• Ability to analyze data.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Able to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in outdoor field conditions.
• Proficient in writing and speaking English.
• Knowledgeable in forage management.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in project management in a university setting.
• Experience or interest in animal research.
• Personal and professional experience with grassland agriculture.
• Experience with field and lab work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in pot studies, small plot work, and grazing trials.
• Perform laboratory analyses and field techniques.
• Assist with project design, data collection, and program implementation.
• Participate in data analyses, technical writing, and public speaking.
• Support outreach activities, including potential social media management.
• Document and promote forage specialist's research and extension activities.
• Travel regularly around the state of Arkansas.
• Drive trucks and loaded trailers.
• Maintain a suite of laboratory and field equipment.
• Plant, maintain, and harvest pots, plots, and grazing trials.
• Scout and sample experiments independently.
• Process and analyze samples in a laboratory setting.
• Maintain, enter, and process data.
• Write up data for public and professional audiences.

Benefits

• Vibrant work environment
• Workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance

What This Job Offers

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