What are the responsibilities and job description for the Agronomy Research Assistant position at Texas A&M University-Commerce?
Job Title
Agronomy Research Assistant
Agency
East Texas A&M University
Department
College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
Commerce, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT:
During the application process the “My Experience” page has a section provided “Attachments (Resume/CV, References, Cover letter, etc.)” to upload required documents.
- Use the Upload button to add each document.
- You will be able to upload up to 5 documents. Be aware that the maximum size allowed for any one document is 5MB.
- All documents must be electronically submitted through the Texas A&M Online Employment Services website to be considered.
- Incomplete or improperly submitted applications may be excluded from consideration.
Please provide the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume/CV
- Three professional references with complete contact information (Unsolicited letters of recommendation will not be considered).
-
Transcripts (Unofficial will be accepted with application. Official transcripts are required at time of verbal offer).
If transcripts are from an international institution, it is the responsibility of the applicant to have the transcripts translated and evaluated by an approved credential evaluator.
Please do not withdraw your application in an attempt to upload a missing document. If you need assistance with this or any other matter, please contact us at
HR.Hiring@tamuc.edu
.
SUMMARY:
The Research Assistant is responsible for assisting with various aspects of ongoing research in the Agronomy Program at East Texas A&M University. Assists and oversees various research activities including planting, harvesting, spraying, tilling, soil sampling, and establishment of small plot research. The Research Assistant is expected to be proficient in training students to perform these same techniques and to achieve proficiency in new techniques as needed. The Research Assistant will collaboratively work with agronomy members of Texas A&M AgriLife that are housed in Commerce and 33% of their work efforts will be dedicated to AgriLife Research projects.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
10% - Laboratory Activities:
- Processes samples of varied types in preparation for agronomic analysis including sample sorting, weighing, grinding, and shipping.
- Performs analysis such as aggregate stability and Hessian fly counts on wheat samples.
- Operate various lab equipment, including: forage drying oven, wet sieving aggregate stability machine, soil grinder, forage grinder, seed sorter, table top cotton gin, and scales.
- Prepares seed for variety trial planting and small plot research establishment.
- Troubleshoots routine lab problems, consulting available scientific literature when necessary.
- Learns and implements new lab protocols as needed. Assists with method development. Assists with sample collection and processing as required.
60% -Research Activities and Support:
- Assures that samples are properly stored, organized, and inventoried.
- Works with other lab members to streamline lab work flow.
- Keeps stock of lab and field inventory and identify supplies that need ordered.
- Ensures that lab and shop are clean and organized. Implement best practices to minimize sample destruction from rodents, moisture, and mold.
- Assists with project management and planning for lab or field work.
- Assists and oversees various research activities, including but not limited to: management of laboratory supplies and equipment, collection of samples, organization and management of sample inventory, sample preparation and preservation, planting, harvesting, spraying, stand counts, weed control visual assessments, evaluation of crops, soil and water sampling, and management of research data.
- Operate various equipment, including: tractor, sprayer, planter, grain drill, tillage equipment, and combine.
- Trains students to perform these same techniques, and to achieve proficiency in new techniques as needed.
15% - Data/Project Management:
- Creates and maintains project-specific inventories for various types of sample data. Facilitates data collection, entry, and management by other lab members performing lab work.
10% - Communications:
- Communicates with lab manager and other laboratory staff on a daily basis to ensure successful completion of laboratory research, compliance with protocols, and selection of best troubleshooting approaches.
- Trains other lab members in various research techniques and protocols.
- Produces written laboratory or field research protocols and standard operating procedures as needed and keep them updated to ensure uniformity of lab work.
- Records spray applications and communicates reentry intervals (REI) to agronomy group. Contributes to collaborative efforts of ETAMU and AgriLife Research groups within the Agronomy Program.
5% Other Duties:
- Assists with FFA Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs and LDEs) as needed.
- Assist at Twin Oaks Farm for Experiential Learning as needed.
- Performs other assigned duties.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Required Education: Appropriate bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Required Experience: NA
- Required Licenses and Certifications: 1. Texas Driver’s License 2. Ability to obtain a Texas Pesticide Applicators License in the appropriate categories within 1 year of employment
- Ability to: Multi-task and work well as part of a team.
- Physical Requirements: Lift 50 lbs., stand for long periods of time
- Other Requirements: Ability to travel up to 20% of time during planting and harvest season
PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:
Education skills and experience above and beyond the minimum that would be ideal but is not required.
SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:
Student workers and graduate assistants
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.
