OIRS Agronomist-Site Manager

Description & Details:

The position is responsible for coordination and implementation of research activities associated with the agricultural research program at the department’s Oakes Irrigation Research Site (Oakes, ND). General responsibilities encompass providing leadership for defining, implementing and reporting the field research projects at Oakes. Specific duties include research protocol development, preparing and planting trials, imposition of treatment variables, trial maintenance, collecting field data, harvesting and processing samples, data analysis and reporting, planning an annual Field Day, and compiling data. This position includes the responsibility to conduct both independent research and to support the research activities of other research leaders. The position has responsibilities associated with preparing research proposals to secure funding to support the research program. The position will coordinate day to day activities with assistance of two full-time field staff. The position also requires ability and willingness to interact and communicate with the diverse constituency of the department and University research programs.

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with additional hours as necessary

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with experience.

Minimum Qualifications:

• M.S. in Agronomy, Soils, Agricultural Engineering, Plant Pathology, or related field.
• Knowledge and experience working with applied research related to field crops, soils, irrigation, or pest management.
• Documented experience in experimental design and analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of field equipment operations.
• Strong familiarity to Northern Great Plains cropping systems.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Agronomy, Soils, Agricultural Engineering, or related field.
• Experience managing staff.
• Documented experience with crop management decisions across a diversity of crops.
• Experience with operation of plot research equipment.
• History with irrigation equipment operation and maintenance.
• Documented experience in preparing grant proposals and success in securing grant funds.
• Experience with GIS technologies such as autosteer or GIS software.
• Evidence of positive producer interactions.

Applicant Materials Required:

• Cover letter addressing each of the minimum and preferred qualifications.
• Complete Curriculum Vitae.
• References to be available upon request.

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:

The Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) is one of seven NDSU Research Extension Centers and is located approximately 140 miles from the North Dakota State University campus at Fargo. The Oakes Irrigation Research Site is a sub-station of the CREC located in a region of the state where irrigated agriculture is widely practiced. The OIRS represents a crop production region unlike other NDSU research sites due to the soils and environmental conditions inherent to the area. The current research site operates on a 40-acre tract of land.

This position is located at the Oakes Irrigation Research Site near Oakes, North Dakota. Oakes is a thriving rural community of approximately 1,800 people in a widely diversified agricultural production region of southeastern North Dakota. Oakes has progressive schools (K-12), modern medical services (clinics and hospital), and many recreation opportunities.

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.