Research Assistant

Texas A&M University System • College Station, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Soil & Crop Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Commercial or research management of fruit/nut tree orchards.
• Commercial or research application of herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides.
• Operates, repairs, and maintains basic farm equipment (such as a tractor and associated implements).
• Manages time effectively and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Maintains accurate logs of chemical applications (pesticides), labor hours, crop yields, and safety trainings.
• Exceptional attention to detail to identify when diseases/pests are affecting tree health.
• Ability to work independently.
• Be able to work under adverse conditions, such as high heat and humidity.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects greater than 50 lbs.
• Knowledge of pecan tree physiology, specifically pruning, nut development stages, and fertilization needs.
• Operates and maintains specialized orchard equipment such as pruning towers, tree shakers, harvesters, and air-blast sprayers.
• Operates and maintains heavy equipment (such as a skidsteer, bulldozer, or backhoe).
• Ability to write reports, present findings, and communicate with scientific colleagues or farmers.
• This position involves regular exposure to tree nuts.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Possess at least one (1) year of experience utilizing farm machinery (such as a tractor) and/or applying chemical or nutrient sprays in agriculture.
• Texas Noncommercial Political Subdivision (NCPS) Pesticide Applicator License (must obtain within 3 months of start date, if not already possessed)
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Driver’s License

Responsibilities

• Operates farm equipment to maintain orchard floors for efficient access and harvest and assists in the nut harvest operation.
• Operates and maintains canal/flood irrigation infrastructure in collaboration with local regulatory water district.
• Applies pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, or nutrient chemical sprays as dictated by an Integrated Pest Management plan. Applies fertilizers seasonally, as needed.
• Performs field ratings of pest presence, disease severity, pecan phenology, and leaf tissue/nut collection.
• Maintain machinery such as tractors, shakers, mowers, hand-tools, and associated implements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife
• Retirement programs

What This Job Offers

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