Research Assistant

Job Title

Agency

Department

Proposed Minimum Salary

Job Location

Job Type

Job Description

Job Responsibilities:

• 50 %: Pecan Orchard Management – Operates farm equipment to maintain orchard floors for efficient access and harvest and assists in the nut harvest operation.

• 15 %: Orchard Irrigation – Operates and maintains canal/flood irrigation infrastructure in collaboration with local regulatory water district.

• 15 %: Chemical and Fertilizer Applications – Applies pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, or nutrient chemical sprays as dictated by an Integrated Pest Management plan. Applies fertilizers seasonally, as needed.

• 10 %: Field Ratings – Performs field ratings of pest presence, disease severity, pecan phenology, and leaf tissue/nut collection.

• 5 %: Equipment Maintenance – Maintain machinery such as tractors, shakers, mowers, hand-tools, and associated implements.

• 5 %: Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education & Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Soil & Crop Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.

Preferred Experience:

• Possess at least one (1) year of experience utilizing farm machinery (such as a tractor) and/or applying chemical or nutrient sprays in agriculture.

Preferred licenses or certifications for this position:

• Texas Noncommercial Political Subdivision (NCPS) Pesticide Applicator License (must obtain within 3 months of start date, if not already possessed)

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Driver’s License

Required skills, knowledge or abilities:

• Commercial or research management of fruit/nut tree orchards.

• Commercial or research application of herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides.

• Operates, repairs, and maintains basic farm equipment (such as a tractor and associated implements).

• Manages time effectively and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.

• Maintains accurate logs of chemical applications (pesticides), labor hours, crop yields, and safety trainings.

• Exceptional attention to detail to identify when diseases/pests are affecting tree health.

• Ability to work independently.

• Be able to work under adverse conditions, such as high heat and humidity.

• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects greater than 50 lbs.

• Knowledge of pecan tree physiology, specifically pruning, nut development stages, and fertilization needs.

• Operates and maintains specialized orchard equipment such as pruning towers, tree shakers, harvesters, and air-blast sprayers.

• Operates and maintains heavy equipment (such as a skidsteer, bulldozer, or backhoe).

• Ability to write reports, present findings, and communicate with scientific colleagues or farmers.

Additional requirements:

This position involves regular exposure to tree nuts.

What You Need to Know

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Position Funding: This temporary position has an end date of August 31, 2027. Extension is contingent upon continued funding and project needs.

Location: This position will be located in Brownwood, TX.

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.