Research Technician - Horticultural Science
Full Time
Mills River, NC
$31,200 - $66,122 a year
Posted
Job description
Job Posting Information
Posting Number
PG193234SP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Research Technician - Horticultural Science
Anticipated Hiring Range
Commensurate with experience ( $40,000 - $43,767)
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm
Job Location
Mills River, NC
Department
Horticultural Science
About the Department
Since 1901, the faculty, staff and students of the Department of Horticultural Science have been providing innovative teaching, research and outreach to the citizens of North Carolina, the nation, and the world. Our research and extension programs are recognized worldwide for their contributions to applied horticultural production and to discovery science. We generate and extend knowledge about fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and landscape design for the purpose of increasing food security and food safety, sustaining the environment, enhancing economic vitality, and improving the quality of life for individuals and their communities.
Essential Job Duties
This position is with the tomato breeding and research program at the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University located at Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center (MHCREC) in Mills River, NC. The research technician position sets up, coordinates, and implements conventional and marker-assisted tomato breeding activities according to the given directions and protocols in the laboratory, greenhouse, research field, and on-farm settings. Ensures policies and protocols are in place and followed. This position is responsible for the following duties, but not limited to:
- Setting up crossing blocks, making crosses, collecting fruit, extracting seeds, and treating seeds.
- Field and on-farm activities include transplanting tomato seedlings, collecting plant performance and development data, harvesting, and measuring yield manually and using a grading machine, and harvesting field selections.
- The position will also assist in research projects.
- Independently and safely operate and drive a variety of pickup trucks to multiple locations on a routine basis to assess the condition of a given study in order to manage and optimize plant care for field research plots.
- Interact with personnel from small and commercial vegetable production farms and research stations to set up field research or extension plots and to monitor environmental conditions, and then execute the implementation of field research studies in NC.
- Routine visits to field plots, greenhouse, and laboratory to initiate either independently or to task and lead temporary labor with field practices that involve maintenance (i.e., weeding, fertilization, etc.), data collection (i.e., disease evaluation, yield, etc.).
- Leads the effort and collects plant performance and development data during summer field seasons.
- Leads and supervises research field and on-farm crew to harvest tomato crops from replicated experimental plots.
- Assists the project leader with yield data collection, measuring yield manually and using a grading machine.
- Performs basic molecular and genetic techniques such as plant tissue collection, DNA extraction, and genotyping by PCR (Polymerase chain reaction).
- Operates varied equipment and instrumentation.
- Maintains the inventory of equipment, supplies, and related research materials.
- Keeps an inventory of the lab, greenhouse, and other research supplies and orders them in a timely manner securing the continuity of the research.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
At present, this position is listed as time-limited for two (2) years, with a maximum time-limited status of three (3) years. However, the position has the potential to become permanent if future funding is secured for its continuation.
This position will be located at Mills River, NC.
Other Responsibilities
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Experience/Education
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Other Required Qualifications
- Ability to operate, maintain, and perform basic repairs to greenhouse machinery and equipment.
- MS Office and other computer skills.
- Ability to perform duties and responsibilities of this job, including heavy lifting.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the general public.
- Ability to independently and safely operate and drive a variety of pickup trucks to multiple locations on a routine basis
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Crop Science, or similar, or an Asociate’s Degree in Horticulture or related curriculum, and 2 years of practical work experience.
- Prior experience with tomato or vegetable breeding,
Required License or Certification
- A valid driver’s license is required for travel. Valid driver’s licence or the ability to obtain an NC driver’s license within 60 days of hire and must be maintained for the duration of the candidate’s employment.
The incumbent will need to use a department vehicle to commute to reserach plots/fields.
Valid NC Driver's License required
Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
05/01/2023
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.)
05/05/2023
Notice to Applicants
Posting will be open until May 15th.
Special Instructions
Please attach a Cover Letter, CV, and contact informatino for three (3) professional references.
Position Details
Position Number
00110071
Position Type
SHRA
Position Classification Band Title
Research Technician
Position Classification Band Level
Journey
Position Classification Salary Range
$31,200 - $66,122
Salary Grade Equivalency
GN06
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)
1.0
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Time Limited Position
Yes
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
2 years
Is this position partially or fully funded on ARRA stimulus monies?
No
Department Id
111501 - Horticultural Science
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.
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