Agricultural Research Assistant

POSITION TITLE : Agricultural Research Assistant-Rosholt Farm

APPLICATION DEADLINE : February 14, 2025 4 : 00 p.m. or open until filled

POSITION LOCATION : Glenwood, MN duration 6 to 8-month position (April to November)

Candidates could be students looking for summer employment (May to August) or a recent graduate

looking to gain experience prior to fulltime employment (April to November).

COMPENSATION : $16.00 to $20.00 per hour depending on qualifications and experience

Please note potential to hire up to two positions for the season.

BENEFITS : Potential Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) eligible depending on employment

terms. Seasonal staff shall receive vacation leave pro-rated based on hours worked. Seasonal Staff shall

receive paid holidays during time employed.

POSITION DEFINITION :

The Agricultural Research Assistant will be responsible for collecting weekly water samples from

vacuum lysimeters, conducting nitrate-nitrogen analysis, nitrous oxide readings, weekly soil moisture

data readings, and documenting test results at the Rosholt Farm near Westport, Minnesota. The farm

has multiple research plots. The Agricultural Research Assistant will also be responsible for assisting

with tree planting, grass seeding’s, educational programming, and general assistance with all programs

offered through the district. The preferred candidate will be a recent graduate looking to gain

knowledge and experience in this field. This position has enabled others in the past to attain

employment in this field with the knowledge, skills, and training gained. Students looking for a

position to gain experience for the summer months are also encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSILBILITIES :

Collect water samples weekly from each of the vacuum lysimeter stations. Perform water testing using

spectrophotometer equipment and standard operating procedures, document and record test results

for each lysimeter at the job site. Prepare and submit test samples to a certified laboratory for analysis

according to Minnesota Department of Agriculture Quality Control requirements. Coordinate with the

University of Minnesota researchers on their plots. Maintain and organize data. Assist where needed

with research related management work including plot fertilization, crop scouting, plant sample

collection, soil sampling, soil moisture monitoring, stalk sampling and harvest. Maintain, operate and

secure equipment properly at the project site. Perform operations and maintenance tasks at Herman

Rosholt Farm project site. Comply with health and safety procedures. May involve other duties as

assigned to complete work related to Rosholt Farm Project activities including mowing and site maintenance. Carry out other duties as assigned including assisting with tree planting including installation of weed barrier fabric, grass seeding’s using notill drill and tractor, pulling gooseneck trailers with equipment, educational programming, and general assistance with all programs offered through the District. This position is meant to assist and will serve as a good opportunity for an individual to gain experience and begin a career in the natural resources, agricultural, or environmental field.

REQUIRED SKILLS :

Education : Course study in Hydrology, Agronomy, Ag Education, Environmental Sciences, Soil Science,

or related field.

Qualities / Core Competencies :

• Organized with a strong attention to detail and time management skills
• Demonstrates a strong level of accountability
• Good written and verbal communications skills
• Exhibits professionalism
• High degree of initiative, self-motivation, and ability to work independently
• Farm, rural, or agribusiness background preferred, experience with machinery or soil and water

monitoring equipment helpful

pounds

JOB LOCATION : Westport, Minnesota (Pope County) Rosholt Research Farm located between Glenwood

and Sauk Centre on Highway 28.

POSITION TYPE :

This is a temporary up to 6 to 8-month position that is grant-funded.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE : Submit a completed application and resume by the deadline to :

Holly Kovarik, District Manager

Pope SWCD

1680 Franklin Street North

Glenwood, MN 56334

holly.kovarik@mn.nacdnet.net

320-634-5327 phone

recblid hipm20wdrh3h0zq4tr6cjm67c9m5bt

Salary : $16 - $20