Position Details
Position Information
Requisition Number
S3568P

Home Org Name
Horticulture

Division Name
College of Agriculture

Position Title
Agriculture Technician

Job Class Code
GB02A/B/C/D

Appointment Status
Full-time

Part-time FTE
Limited Term
Yes

Limited Term Length
Job Summary

This is a one-year limited term position. Continuation of employment will be based on availability of funds.
The Department of Horticulture at Auburn University is seeking an Agriculture Technician to provide assistance with research activities related to greenhouse gas emissions.
About Auburn: At Auburn, our work changes lives. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a premier public institution, Auburn University is dedicated to shaping the future of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research, scholarship and selfless service. Auburn is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, community outreach, positive work environment, student engagement, and thriving community.
It's a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We're proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you're new to Auburn, we'd love to introduce you. If you're already acquainted with Auburn, we'll keep it simple: it's time to come home!
Why employees choose Auburn: Auburn University was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama's best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years. Employees enjoy competitive benefits that include top-notch health insurance, generous retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, flexible spending accounts and more! Learn more about Auburn's impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-at-auburn.
Essential Functions

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Operate general and specialized field equipment, including but not limited to: soil core sampling equipment, seed threshers, plant chippers, tractors, fork lifts, time domain reflectometers, lysimeters, temperature/humidity data loggers, portable photosynthesis system, rainfall simulation equipment, and stem flow gauges.
• Assist in field trials/data collection with a Mobile Inelastic Neutron Scattering System.
• Perform soil trace gas efflux techniques for sample analysis via gas chromatography.
• Assist scientists in studies on how increasing atmospheric CO2 is impacting crop and pasture production and management.
• Regularly use wood and machine shop tools to fabricate parts for ongoing research. Tools include but are not limited to: various wood and metal saws, manual milling machines, manual lathes, various welding machines and plasma cutters, and a variety of precision measuring devices including caliper gauges, micrometers, depth gauges, and dial indicators. Additional equipment may include: saws (table saw, band saws etc), hand drills, drill presses, routers, sanders, bench grinders, sheet metal benders/shears, tap/die equipment, lathes, and overhead hoists.
• Collect field data and prepare samples for analysis using standard laboratory equipment such as drying ovens, grinders, and weighing balances.
• Assist in construction and maintenance of open-top chamber systems used to create controlled atmospheric CO2 environments in the field. The system consists of plenum fan boxes, aluminum frames, and transparent PVC film covers. Also maintains associated liquid CO2 receiver tank, gas dispensing and sampling manifolds, and associated computer control devices and gas detection hardware.
• Perform other duties as necessary and assigned by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Level I: High school diploma or equivalent; no experience required.
Level II: High school diploma or equivalent plus 1 year of experience relevant to the position.
Level III: High school diploma or equivalent plus 4 years of experience relevant to the position.
Level IV: High school diploma or equivalent plus 6 years of experience relevant to the position.
Substitutions allowed for Experience:
When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.
Licensure Requirements:
Possession of a valid drivers license.
Minimum Skills, License, and Certifications
Minimum Skills and Abilities

Must have the ability to lift 75 lbs and be capable of withstanding sustained field work under summer and winter conditions.
Minimum Technology Skills

Basic computer skills and familiarity with Excel, Word, and Powerpoint is essential.
Minimum License and Certifications

The incumbent must have a valid driver's license, be available for occasional travel away from the official duty location to remote worksites.
Desired Qualifications
Desired Qualifications

Desired qualifications include the following:

• Experience with hydro-pneumatic elutriation root washers.
• Experience in using a Time Domain Reflectometer cable tester in performing soil-water content measurements.
• Familiarity/experience with greenhouse operations to include use of different growth media, potting/transplanting, weed control methods, irrigation, and determining appropriate fertilizer rates.
• Experience with locating field plots based on study plans or instructions of supervisor. This includes collecting data from field and laboratory observations, accurately maintaining daily field/laboratory logbooks, and using computers/calculators to assist in recording data from these studies.

Posting Detail Information
Salary Range
$31,200 - $40,100

Job Category
Agricultural/Veterinary Medicine

Working Hours if Non-Traditional
City position is located in:
Auburn

State position is located:
AL

List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position
Posting Date
04/23/2024

Closing Date
EEO Statement

Auburn University is committed to an inclusive and diverse campus environment. Women, underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://www.auemployment.com/postings/44946