The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) is jointly administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Engineering at NC State University. The department actively contributes to the academic, research, and extension missions of the University.

Essential Job Duties

The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering seeks a Research Specialist to provide departmental research support to faculty, staff, and students in the following areas; bioprocess engineering, environmental engineering, ecological engineering, precision agriculture/machine systems, controlled agricultural environments, and sustainable waste management. The ideal candidate will have wide-ranging expertise.

This position will function as a department resource and as such, must be able to coordinate the work of multiple projects to meet department deadlines. The Research Specialist must be able to follow clear instructions from faculty members, as well as work independently depending on project needs.

* Operate, maintain, adjust and/or modify equipment to support department academic, research, and extension activities.

* Construct and maintain field trials and maintain field plots to facilitate field restoration studies, tours, and field days at demonstration sites.

* Collect data and monitor data quality and accuracy as required by the research protocol.

* Maintain appropriate documentation of research results, as required by the research protocol.

* Recommends revisions to experimental methods based on observations of the data.

* Coordinate with research and extension faculty to provide support for research and demonstration programs, primarily in terms of supporting transportation activities (i.e. hauling equipment and large items).

* Assist with the operation and maintenance of equipment and systems used to plant, cultivate, and harvest biomass.

* Conduct soil and plant tissue sampling activities, including preparation and analysis with little supervision.

* Communicate detailed outcomes and results of research.

* Manage compliance with safety measures and guidelines.

* Assist with material waste disposal and laboratory maintenance.

Other Responsibilities

* The position will also be expected to operate a motor vehicle, farm machinery, and forklift to perform essential job functions.

* This incumbent will need to travel off-site alone to observe research and must independently be able to travel from location to location without reliance on others or the advanced notice that is often required of alternative means of transportation.

* Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education

Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

* Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs frequently and 60-90 lbs occasionally with or without reasonable accommadation.

* Knowledge and ability to adapt work processes and methods based on findings and literature review with limited supervision.

* Coordinates and/or conducts multiple, concurrent assignments or a multi-faceted project.

* Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

* Variety of previous project work in an agricultural, engineering, or field research setting.

Required License or Certification

* A valid driver's license is required for travel. NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

* A valid NC Class ACDLis required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

* A valid forklift certification is required within 90 days of hire and must be maintained.

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License Required? Yes