Research and Extension Assistant

Kentucky State University • Frankfort, KY

7d

About The Position

The successful candidate in this position will support research and extension activities related to the 1890 Capacity Building Grant titled “Empowering Growers by Exploring Ethnic Vegetable Production and Market Opportunities for Crop Diversification in Kentucky.” The successful candidate will conduct research activities such as collecting data, preparing soil for planting, following experimental protocols for growing crops that includes activities such as planting/fertilizing/irrigating/spraying/data collection, harvesting and handling of crops, travelling to research and outreach sites, participating in making research and extension presentations/posters/videos/talking to farmers and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will work closely with the principal investigator, staff, and students to conduct field and laboratory-based research.

Field Research: Participate in on-farm research, either at KSU farms or elsewhere.
Laboratory Work: Use laboratory equipment to find critical parameters related to soils and crop growth.
Data Management: Collect and summarize research data.

Requirements

• Ability to carry out research using various fields and lab techniques as described above.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, farm crews, and students
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to work under deadlines independently as well as in a team setting.
• Ability to supervise students.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside the scope of the research project.
• Vegetable farming Experience necessary.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Ag/Related field

Responsibilities

• conducting research activities such as collecting data
• preparing soil for planting
• following experimental protocols for growing crops that includes activities such as planting/fertilizing/irrigating/spraying/data collection, harvesting and handling of crops
• travelling to research and outreach sites
• participating in making research and extension presentations/posters/videos/talking to farmers and other stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees