Program Technician - Forages

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

18h•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 a range of laboratory and field techniques and conduct research as directed. Responsibilities may include laboratory analyses, project design, data collection, and program implementation. The role also involves data analyses, technical writing, and public speaking through presentations at field days and conferences. Additionally, the technician will support outreach activities across the state, potentially including social media management. Scholarly activity leading to peer-reviewed publications and presentations is a possible component of this role. Some evening and weekend work will be expected. The position requires regular travel around the state of Arkansas, driving trucks and loaded trailers, and maintaining laboratory and field equipment. The technician will plant, maintain, and harvest pots, plots, and grazing trials, scout and sample experiments independently, process and analyze samples in a laboratory, and maintain, enter, and process data. The role also involves documenting and promoting forage specialist’s 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 is highly desired.
Personal and professional experience with grassland agriculture is desirable.
Experience with field and lab work.

Responsibilities

Conduct research in pot studies, small plot work, and grazing trials.
Perform laboratory analyses.
Assist with project design.
Collect data for research projects.
Implement research programs.
Participate in data analyses.
Contribute to technical writing.
Present research findings at field days and conferences.
Support outreach activities across the state, 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.