Ag Research Technician (A. Green)

Full-time Agricultural Research Technician position available in the Department of Plant Sciences at North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND to assist the spring wheat plant breeder with the design, implementation, and analysis of experiments conducted in association with Fusarium head blight (FHB) breeding efforts. Areas of research include incorporation of FHB resistance, and improvement of grain yield and quality of hard spring wheat. Assist in preparation of seed for sowing early generation material and yield trials as well as entries in the Fusarium head blight (FHB) and rust nurseries located in the field, prepare associated field books (electronically), and take notes on FHB infection in field nurseries at 3-4 locations in ND. Manage the mist-irrigated FHB nursery located at Prosper near Fargo, including maintenance of irrigation pipe to supply mist and drip irrigation, and making sure the irrigation system is functioning properly throughout the disease inoculation and incubation period. Manage student labor, assist in daily operations of breeding program, work on planting, maintaining, and harvesting plot research across the state as directed by program leader.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree OR a 2-year degree in agricultural related field OR equivalent related experience.
• Demonstrated experience with breeding program database management.
• Operation of farm equipment, all-terrain vehicle, trucks, load and pull trailers; computer software, hardware;
  digital camera; communication and math skills.
• Knowledge/ability to maintain and repair farm equipment.
• Previous working greenhouse experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work well and effectively with others and to work in a team-oriented fashion when interacting with a
  diverse group of students, postdoctoral research assistants, research technicians, growers, and visitors, among
  others.
• Ability to work under adverse environmental conditions during the field growing season (spring, summer, fall).
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain a certified pesticide applicator license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Earned B.S. degree in Plant Sciences, Crop and Weed Sciences, Plant Pathology, Biology, Microbiology, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with academic wheat breeding program conducting small plot research.
• Previous experience working with Fusarium Head Blight nurseries and data.
• Experience working with image analysis of Fusarium damaged wheat grain.

Advertised Salary: $45,000 /year

Applicant Materials Required:

Applicants must submit: 1) a cover letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met; 2) a detailed resume; 3) academic transcripts from universities attended; 4) contact information (i.e., names, phone numbers, institutional addresses, and E-mail addresses) of three current references from the most recent positions held.

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

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.

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.

EO/AA Statement:

North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.

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.