What are the responsibilities and job description for the Farm Research Technician position at Texas A&M AgriLife?
Job Title
Farm Research Technician
Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research
Department
Uvalde
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Uvalde, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
About Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
- Texas A&M Forest Service
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.
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Position Information
We are seeking a Farm Research Technician, under general supervision performs semi-skilled, technical support research work involving performance of assignments requiring modification and adaptation to routine procedures. Work is performed under general supervision with evaluation based on the successful completion of tasks assigned.
Responsibilities:
- Operate agricultural tractors and equipment to manage small-scale vegetable and field crop plots to perform tasks such as plowing, disking, bedding, applying mulch, seeding or transplanting, irrigating, spraying, and harvesting; these activities may involve lifting moderate to heavy objects up to 50 pounds and require significant physical effort
- Assemble and operate technical equipment used in the field, greenhouse, and high tunnel environments, including tractors and associated implements
- Perform routine equipment calibrations
- Manage irrigation schedules using center pivots, linear systems, or drip irrigation
- Provide support to senior staff in the development and execution of major vegetable and field crop experiments
- Regularly consult in developing procedures with principal investigators and/or associated program staff
- Collect samples and measurements data from Center-based experiments; maintain data collection and summarize results for presentations and reports using computer programs
- Perform routine scouting of weeds, pests and diseases for field experiments on vegetable crops, agronomic crops or other specialty crops tested
- Keeps detailed records of field activities on the conventional and organic farm
- Assist in supporting mechanical shop needs, center grounds and center facilities needs
- Maintain cover crops, rotate crops, and improve soil health
- Ensure the farm is always well-managed and maintained
- Assist in purchasing supplies and equipment
- Assist in maintaining the grounds of the farm, safety procedures, and ensure that workers use appropriate personal protective equipment
- Stay current with farming practices by attending seminars, educational events, field days, virtual and/or face-to-face trainings
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Three years of related experience
- Ability to establish effective working relationships
- Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others
Other Requirements:
- Ability to lift moderately heavy objects
- Ability to exert heavy force
- Work beyond normal business hours and/or work on weekends
- Ability to establish effective working relationships
What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. This is an hourly paid position.
Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?
When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.
In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:
- Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurancewith Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
- 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
- Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
- Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife
Applicant Instructions
Applicants should submit the following:
(1) a cover letter,
(2) detailed curriculum vitae stating education, experience and qualifications,
(3) and a list of three references with contact information as attachments to the completed application.
Attachments can be uploaded as one document or multiple attachments can be included.
For additional information contact Dr. Daniel Leskovar, Center Director by email at
d-leskovar@tamu.edu
or by phone at 830-988-6124. All inquiries are confidential.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
