Research Technician I, II or III

Utah State University•Logan, UT

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Utah Crop Improvement Association and Utah State University seek an individual to represent Utah Crop Improvement Association in Northern Utah and surrounding areas by assisting in and promoting the seed certification program working with seed farmers and conditioners in production of high-quality certified seed. Vehicle will be provided by employer but rare, occasional use of personal vehicle may be needed (mileage reimbursed). A Flexible work schedule is needed with concentration of workload during planting, seed harvest, and seed processing seasons. Workload will be 30 hours/week (75% time) with the opportunity to work more hours as needed. Major workload will be during the months of June, July, and August for field inspections and other workload during other months. Work hours and responsibilities can be highly variable to match the applicant’s schedule as a student or other employment or interests. Location - Northern UT, Box Elder and Cache Counties and surrounding area.

Requirements

Six months work related experience and/or related educational programs in agriculture (for Research Technician I).
Two years of experience or an associate degree/vocational training (for Research Technician II).
Four years of experience; or an associate degree plus two years of experience; or a bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of education plus experience (for Research Technician III).
Experience in production agriculture, preferably small grains, alfalfa seed, grass seed, and other forb and shrub seed production.
Experience in farm machinery operation and repair, weed control, fertility, and crop irrigation for seed production.
Applicant will need to learn to identify and recognize differences in crop varieties, weeds, genetic off-types, and diseases that potentially contaminate seed crops.
Good personal and communication skills to work with, understand, and resolve concerns with farmers and other agriculturalists and seedsmen.
Applicant will also be expected to learn to correctly identify reclamation plants and seeds on wildland sites.
Applicant must also be self-motivated and willing to work alone.
Must be comfortable contacting growers and seed companies by phone and/or in person to resolve issues efficiently.
Must be willing to work both in the field and in the office, depending on seasonal needs.
Must perform physical labor, including walking uneven terrain, climbing, and working in extreme weather, dust, and pollen.
Must be able to lift 50 lbs or more.

Nice To Haves

Strong farming background with mechanical repair and other general maintenance skills.
College credits or a degree in an agricultural crop production with some experience or knowledge of Agronomy and/or rangeland science related fields.
Some computer experience and personal communication skills are preferred and will be beneficial.

Responsibilities

Assist with work in Certified Seed Program for Utah.
Seed field and farm equipment inspection
Inspect and accurately determine plant variety characteristics for genetic purity, and crop quality factors in certified seed production fields to meet certification standards.
Identify each of the major crop kinds, rangeland plants, and weeds.
Inspect wildland seed collection sites and identify rangeland plants and yield potential.
Assist seed producers and seed conditioners in producing certified seed lots to meet certification standards.
Some travel throughout the Western United States will be needed.
Assist with maintaining the utahcrop.org website.
Some general office work related to seed certification and production reporting will be required.
Assist in foundation seed production, allocation and distribution.
Maintain, manage, and produce foundation seed from multiple sources including production on UAES farms.
Track, monitor, ship and invoice foundation seed distributions and inventory.