Research Associate, Ames AgResearch & Education Center - Grand Junction, TN (UTIA)

Research Associate, Ames AgResearch and Education Center

Location: Grand Junction, TN

Summary:Position provides professional support to agricultural research operations in the fields of Agronomy, Livestock, Agricultural Engineering and Wildlife research at the Ames AgResearch & Education Center (REC). Position executes research projects and participates in the planning and feasibility assessment of research. Position analyzes data and collaborates in the development of project conclusions. Position oversees research projects at the REC and supervises the work of agricultural support personnel and students and will frequently work in an outdoor environment with varying weather conditions.

Qualifications:

Responsibilities:

Supervises agricultural support personnel and students at the REC. Support personnel are responsible for planting, maintaining and harvesting approximately 2,500 acres of corn, cotton, soybeans, grain sorghum and wheat. Provides input into the selection of the various varieties of each crop and assists in selection of fields for planting. Responsible for cutting and harvesting all hay and baleage utilized by livestock at this Center. Responsible for maintaining all farming equipment for location. Oversees fields, buildings and property maintenance. Allocates resources accordingly.

Responsible for executing research projects under little or no supervision at the REC. Considering research protocols, selects appropriate varieties of various row-crops for planting. Determines type and/or quantities of fertilizer. Coordinates application of a vast array of row-crop protection products and/or using different types of agricultural farm equipment to plant, maintain and/or harvest all row-crop commodities.

Collects data from the various research experiments and provides information to the responsible Principal Investigator. Develops new strategies or revises current methodologies in searching for better ways to implement and execute research projects. Shares knowledge regarding placement and design of the various research experiments planned for this location.

Required Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

• Knowledge of a variety row-crops.
• Ability to develop and successfully implement planting strategies.
• Knowledge of agricultural equipment and ability to recommend mechanical improvements.
• Skill to operate various pieces of agricultural equipment. Ability to safely operate and properly maintain agricultural equipment.
• Knowledge of research methodologies, ability to collect accurate data, data analysis skills.
• Knowledge of row-crop protection products and fertilizers.
• Ability to supervise a team. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally.
• Ability to obtain pesticide application certification.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in an agricultural related field is required.
• 2 years "farming" experience planting, maintaining, and harvesting major row-crop varieties such as corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat and/or grain sorghum.
• Basic knowledge of maintenance and upkeep of agricultural farm equipment.
• Valid driver's license is required.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Master's degree in agricultural related field is desired.
• 5 years of experience planting, maintaining and harvesting agricultural row-crops such as corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum.
• Supervisory experience.

How to Apply:

Applications must be completed online. https://hr.utk.edu/staff-positions/.