Research Specialist - Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center At Springhill - UTIA

University of Tennessee•Spring Hill, TN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is solely responsible for assisting in performing technical, research and field-related duties in support of the center’s Beef Unit research programs, operations, and mission. The role will oversee and direct beef cattle forage production, pasture management, and infrastructure development and maintenance, as well as assist in forage and beef cattle unit research. The specialist will perform routine tasks and conduct routine procedures associated with maintaining efficient operations in support of the center's forage, beef cattle production and research programs and infrastructure. In addition, the position is responsible for proper implementation, accurate analysis and effective communications concerning all beef cattle research projects and communication between the lead primary investigator and the center director.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
at least 5 years of agriculture experience
Knowledge of animal agricultural operations.
Ability to accurately record data related research and production activities
Ability to work safely and confidently around large farm animals
Knowledge and ability to care for beef cattle related needs/welfare and carryout stewardship practices
Ability to recognize equipment or maintenance problems
Ability to operate large agricultural equipment
Ability to perform agricultural/manual labor in inclement weather conditions
Ability to work well with others on a daily basis.
Self-motivated individual.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree
Agricultural production practices specific to beef cattle, forage, infrastructure design and crop production.

Responsibilities

Implementing research protocols and production practices within Beef Cattle unit: Take lead in the beef cattle research program at MTREC including; organization of needed resources, land, livestock, feedstuffs, and necessary supplies for data collection.
Implementation of research design and protocols as provided by the PI's workplan, collection of appropriate data as directed by the PI and workplan, analysis research project's data and timeline in order to make informed recommendation to PI and center director concerning beef research programming.
Oversight of the center's production practices involving the beef cattle herd, as this is a primary resources for MTREC's research program.
Daily responsibilities include: Health and nutritional oversight and assessment, forage/pasture management including soil testing and analysis of results for proper nutrient application.
Implementation and management of Artificial Insemination program within beef cattle herd.
Act as primary communicator with center director related to herd needs; feed, health and marketing.
Input and manage record keeping system for beef cattle operations at MTREC, this includes both research and production.
Assist State Beef Cattle Specialist in all performing Beef Cattle Management Training courses by managing livestock resource needs as well as all supplies and materials required.
Assist PLF Coordinator with management and implementation for associated research trials.
Assist UT Bull Test at critical times of operations, delivery, monthly weights and sale dates.
Assists Center Director with daily production and management: Acquisition of feed, seed, fertilizer and equipment associated with beef production and research programs.
Acquisition of animal health products for beef unit.
Act as primary communicator with livestock marketing agents prior to livestock marketing events.; also facilitate collection of required data points and provide interpretation of resulting measures related to production decision.
Implementation of animal health protocols.
Assistance in IACUC and AAALAC compliance, records and inspections.
Assists with other livestock and production-related agricultural tasks in support of beef unit and leading the management of pasture health, fencing integrity and facilities upkeep and safety.