CREC Agronomy Lab Research Specialist

Description & Details:

The Carrington Research Extension Center is seeking a Seed Laboratory Research Specialist to coordinate seed lab and greenhouse activities for our applied agriculture research teams. The person in this position is responsible for coordinating workflow of projects through the seed lab, communicating with research team leads, supervising staff, quality control, and preparing seed and grain samples related to field activities. The position requires diverse skills with major responsibilities to include calibrating and operating seed lab equipment, inventory management, assisting with field operations, timely completion of tasks, ensuring safety compliance and cleanliness of workspace, and assisting with tasks related to general CREC needs such as supervising maintenance activities in the lab and greenhouse.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours at various times of the year.

Hiring Range:

$50,000 to $60,000 per year depending on experience

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree

• Familiarity with cropping systems of the Northern Great Plains

• 2 years of hands-on experience with agricultural practices

• Willingness to be timely to work schedule and desire to put forth consistent and full work days

• Ability to prioritize tasks and inspect work of others

• Detail oriented and organized

• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills

• Comfort with software programs such as Excel, Word, Outlook and ability to learn specialized research software

• Current, or ability to attain, Commercial Pesticide Applicators License

• Ability to work with a wide range of people toward a common goal

• Valid Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science degree in Agronomy of closely related field, or 5 years of agronomy-related experience
• Experience working in or managing a greenhouse
• Supervisory experience
• Prior history working with multiple teams
• Experience with ag equipment operation
• Understanding of ag research trial layouts, design, and execution
• Knowledge of a wide range of crop growth stages, seed appearances, production practices
• Experience with grain cleaning equipment

Core Competencies:

Attention to detail, organized, agronomy training, excellent communication skills, ability to accomplish physically demanding work, skills covering a broad range of equipment and electronic use.

Applicant Materials Required:

Cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references

Our commitment to caring for our employees isn’t just words—it’s proven. In NDSU’s most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. “My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person” and “I have the opportunities to learn and grow”, were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you’ll experience here.

NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!

Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

Health & Wellness

• 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
• Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
• Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
• Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation

Exceptional Retirement Plan

• Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
  (One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.

Time Away & Support

• Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• Supportive work-life balance

Education Benefits That Grow With You

• Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
• 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents

Additional Optional Benefits

• Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
• Supplemental Retirement Plans

Explore Full Benefit Details:

Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, or participation in lawful activity off the employer's premises during nonworking hours which is not in direct conflict with the essential business-related interests of the employer, as applicable. Direct inquiries to Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 100, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Veteran’s Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information:

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.