Research Specialist Sr.
About The Position
The position provides technical support to the Horticulture Production Systems Program at the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC), located on the Delmarva peninsula in Painter, Virginia. This is an off-campus position. The role is primarily field-based, involving the establishment and maintenance of field trials, application of pesticides, data collection, and plant samples from field plots and commercial fields, with a focus on vegetables (potato, green bean, tomato, peppers, etc.). There will also be opportunities to work with small fruits, tree fruits, and ornamental crops. Additionally, responsibilities include lab work (post-harvest assessments), office tasks (data entry, preparing extension materials, maintenance of inventory, budget and compliance records), and supervisory duties (overseeing part-time employees, assisting graduate student research).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a plant science related field (Horticulture, Crop and Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, etc.) or a combination of education and extensive experience in a related field
- Knowledge of production horticulture and farm practices including the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of commercial horticultural crops, or similar crops
- Detail oriented and self-motivated to implement research trials and collect data
- Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, etc.)
- Ability to train, manage, and mentor hourly employees and student labor
- Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a Virginia Driver’s License within three months of start date
- Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a Virginia commercial pesticide applicator license within three months of start date
- Ability to lift 50 lbs
- Willingness to learn to operate farm machinery and trailers safely
- Ability to perform strenuous field labor
- Must have a criminal background check
- Must be able to use respirator
Nice To Haves
- Basic laboratory skills and/or basic understanding of statistics
- Knowledge of pesticides
- Eagerness to learn and hone new skills
- Some experience in extension, agriculture education, or agricultural communications
Responsibilities
- Provide technical support to the Horticulture Production Systems Program
- Establishment and maintenance of field trials
- Application of pesticides
- Data collection from field plots and commercial fields
- Collect plant samples from field plots and commercial fields
- Perform lab work including post-harvest assessments
- Perform office tasks such as data entry
- Prepare extension materials
- Maintain inventory, budget, and compliance records
- Oversee part-time employees
- Assist graduate student research
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
