What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Research and Extension Asst Technology position at Kentucky State University?
TITLE: Senior Research and Extension Technology Assistant
DEPARTMENT: TBD
REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
JOB SUMMARY:
The Sr. Research and Extension Technology Assistant will perform field and laboratory technology support roles in the Land-grant Research and Extension program at Kentucky State University. The successful candidate will assist in facilitating and demonstrating research and Extension programming on UAV-drone data in studying plant and soil health and best land use management practices.
This position assists in investigative research, laboratory research, and field experiments to measure indicators of soil health, water quality, and agroecosystems management and productivity to assess system sustainability and facilitate decisions on management practices; collect unmanned aircraft data for research projects; carry out laboratory processing and analyses of soil and water samples along with data processing. This position is involved in the implementation and maintenance of laboratory and field in collecting, entering, and performing statistical analysis of data, assisting in developing manuscripts for publication, and in training and supervision of farmers and undergraduate and high school students in the operation of UAV-Drones and processing of drone data. Experience in operating farm machinery (i.e., tractors, planters, cultivators, tine weeders, etc.) is preferred. Candidates with relevant credentials willing to learn farm machinery operation and organic production systems are encouraged to apply.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Collect, enter, and analyze unmanned aircraft data collected in the U.S. and overseas.
- Manage heavy equipment for site preparation and collection of soil and vegetation data.
- Acquire price quotes for purchasing equipment and instruments by working with vendors.
- Be able to collect, process, and use Lidar data.
- Manage an intensive grazing system with small ruminants incorporated into an integrated crop- livestock agroecosystems projects.
- Assist in the design and implementation of laboratory and field experiments.
- Operate, transport, and maintain heavy equipment for field data collection.
- Carry out daily farm operations, including planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, seed purchases, and organic record keeping when it is needed.
- Assist in developing manuscripts for publication.
- Train, supervise, and mentor research assistants, graduate, undergraduate, and high school students conducting research in the program.
- Conducting informational talks and tours at field days, small farms state and conferences and other professional meetings
- Conduct both laboratory and field work including soil and water sample processing and analysis.
- Other related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of farming in organic, natural, and/or sustainable systems. This includes, Honey Bees Plant grafting, small animal production, cold storage management.
- Ability to use a personal computer and related software applications for processing drone data.
- Good knowledge of university purchasing procedures and compliance
- Knowledge of research and educational capabilities of USDA and the Land Grant system knowledge base in the area of expertise.
- Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
- Ability to work individually or in teams.
- Experience in a variety GIS processing programs
- Certification/training(conferences) to stay up to date on equipment related to job duties.
- Attended Kentucky Association of Mapping Professionals and presented as well for the last two years.
- Experience with DJI Terra, drone deploy and Pix4d to process data.
- Problem-solving skills in a variety of work-related situations in the office and in the field.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Irrigation repairs
- Minor mechanic work
- Spraying with drones and equipment
- Responsible for managing KSU loaner equipment, i.e., plastic laying machines, cool bots, and small ruminant production equipment
- Responsibly managed KSU drone equipment
- Mentored diverse workforce of students and adults on various data-collecting trips both domestically and abroad
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- This position does not have supervisory responsibility.
OTHER DUTIES:
- The position will conduct other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Required: B.S. in Horticulture, Agriculture, Soil Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related area. Candidates with relevant experience preferred.
Licensing and Certifications:
Required: 107 UAV-Drone pilot license. Required: Valid driving license.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work involves operating and carrying heavy equipment and field-based research instrumentation.
- Ability to carry at least 50 lbs.
- This job involves travel. The position will have statewide responsibilities.
Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
