Research Specialist Senior

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent will be responsible for day-to-day operations of a weed management field research program in agronomic crops (mostly corn, soybean, and wheat) and pasture/forage that encompasses approximately 50 trials per year throughout Virginia. Duties will include but are not limited to plot layout, herbicide application, planting, data collection, and harvesting. Familiarity with and ability to operate associated equipment (tractor, planter, drill, pesticide sprayers, plot combine, etc.) is crucial, as well as ability to safely load/unload and transport equipment. Duties will also include leading the execution of scientific protocols and technical data collection. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining equipment and facilities to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. To help accomplish these tasks, the incumbent will supervise undergraduate hourly assistants. Additionally, the incumbent will work closely with VT weed science faculty and graduate research assistants. For success, the incumbent must have excellent written and oral communication as well as time management and organizational skills. Flexibility, ability to prioritize, positive attitude and problem-solving skills are highly desired. Overnight travel is required during the field season. Planting and harvest seasons may include late nights and weekend work. This position requires physical strength and ability to work in hot, cold, and sometimes adverse weather conditions. The incumbent must possess or have the ability to obtain a pesticide applicator's license within six (6) months of employment.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in agronomy or related discipline; and/or equivalent years of training and work experience.
• Operational knowledge of corn and soybean agronomic and cultural practices (additional crops preferred including pasture/forage).
• Demonstrated experience with farm equipment (tractor, planter, drill, pesticide sprayers, plot combine, etc.).
• Pesticide applicator's license or ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Valid Driver's license and clean driving record.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience using Microsoft Office software.

Nice To Haves

• M.S. degree.
• Previous small plot research experience.
• Experience in statistical analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data.
• Previous supervisory experience.
• Experience managing a multilocation field testing network.
• Experience working with regulated GMO material and associated USDA APHIS requirements.
• Experience with ARM software.

Responsibilities

• Plot layout, herbicide application, planting, data collection, and harvesting.
• Operating associated equipment (tractor, planter, drill, pesticide sprayers, plot combine, etc.).
• Safely loading/unloading and transporting equipment.
• Leading the execution of scientific protocols and technical data collection.
• Maintaining equipment and facilities to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
• Supervising undergraduate hourly assistants.
• Working closely with VT weed science faculty and graduate research assistants.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees