What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Specialist position at North Carolina State University?
Job Posting Information
Posting Number
PG194415SP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Research Specialist
Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with experience (up to $51,717)
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday / 7am - 4pm (some weekends as needed)
Job Location
Reidsville, NC
Department
Upper Piedmont Research Station
About the Department
The Upper Piedmont Research Station (UPRS) is one of 22 agricultural research stations located in North Carolina. UPRS conducts research projects involving beef cattle, sheep, row crops, horticultural crops, and forestry products. UPRS is committed to providing land, personnel, expertise, and equipment to research scientists conducting agricultural research projects that are important to the efficient production of agricultural commodities.
Essential Job Duties
Upper Piedmont Research Station (UPRS) is seeking a Research Specialist. This position reports directly to the station superintendent. The primary purpose of this position is to coordinate the daily care of the UPRS sheep flock and its associated research projects. This includes implementing animal care and procedures; helping to maintain sheep-related facilities including barns, pastures, fences, etc.; working with staff and faculty in sheep activities; and implementing research projects for PIs using the Vytelle Sense system and assisting with other ruminant research activities at the station. This position also serves an important role in facilitating routine station grounds maintenance and helps the station superintendent complete administrative duties.
Duties Include:
- Coordinate and carry out daily animal husbandry activities (feeding, grazing, breeding, lambing, etc.)
- Keep clear and comprehensive records of all animal activities (feeding, breeding, sales, drug use, lambing, etc.)
- Operate equipment and implement scheduled station maintenance related to grounds (mowing, weed eating, spraying, etc.)
- Assist superintendent in maintaining station records and submitting documentation related to routine station activities such as vehicle maintenance and use, safety documentation, invoices, etc.
- Assist PIs and the superintendent in setting up, implementing, and collecting data for experimental research protocols
- Assist superintendent in training and presenting to others on sheep husbandry practices, computer skills, and agriculture/ shop safety
- Routine assistance of station personnel in activities related to beef cattle including but not limited to feeding, calving, sorting, breeding, etc.
- Operate farm equipment to help meet station needs including skid steers, tractors, loaders, mixer wagons, bush hogs, etc.
This position is located in Reidsville, NC
Other Responsibilities
This position requires weekend and holiday work on a rotating basis with other station staff. Additional work hours may be required during planting and harvest seasons as well as during peak animal care seasons such as calving/ lambing and breeding. Research projects and/ or weather may alter the work schedule.
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
- Basic computer skills such as email, Microsoft Excel, and Word, and a basic understanding of statistical design and data collection.
- Practical hands-on experience in agricultural practices related to small ruminant daily husbandry and production in a research setting.
- Understanding of sheep husbandry in research, commercial, production, and/or educational settings.
- Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds on a routine basis and up to 90 pounds on occasion, and perform long periods of repetitive reaching, stooping, standing, bending, and lifting, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Experience in operating machinery associated with livestock production and grounds maintenance.
- Ability to communicate in both oral and written form; ability to read and follow pesticide labels and research protocols.
- Ability to collect and record data accurately.
- Ability and willingness to work in all environments at the station to perform tasks as assigned
- Ability to instruct others in practical sheep husbandry, computer use, and agriculture/ shop safety
Preferred Qualifications
- Intermediate computer skills such as strong proficiency in email, and Microsoft Office Suite (including advanced Excel functions like formulas and pivot tables), and experience with inputting, querying, and reporting data with database management systems.
Required License or Certification
- A valid NC Driver’s License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver’s License within 60 days of hire. (A valid Driver’s License must be maintained throughout employment.)
- NC Public Operators Pesticide License (to be obtained within 6 months of hire),
- NC Beef Quality Assurance Certification (to be obtained within 6 months of hire)
- Licenses must be maintained as a condition of employment
Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
01/09/2025
Earliest Close Date- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)
01/16/2025
Notice to Applicants
Special Instructions
Applicant required documents: Cover Letter, Resume, Contact Information for References
Position Details
Position Number
00042447
Position Type
SHRA
Position Classification Band Title
Research Specialist
Position Classification Band Level
Contributing
Position Classification Salary Range
$ 45,454 - $ 109,409
Salary Grade Equivalency
GN08
Alternate Option
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.00
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Fire/Explosions, Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Transportation Accidents, Mandatory - Evacuations/Natural Hazards, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure, Mandatory - Threats of Violence/Terrorism/Interpersonal Emergencies
Time Limited Position
No
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
Department Id
115006 - Upper Piedmont Research Station
AA/EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Salary : $45,454 - $109,409
