Research Assistant

Job TitleResearch Assistant Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research Department Horticultural Sciences Proposed Minimum Salary$3,750.00 monthly Job LocationCollege Station, Texas Job TypeStaff Job Description About Texas A&M AgriLife Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service. Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world! Position Information Job Responsibilities: 50 %: Pecan Orchard Management – Operates farm equipment to maintain orchard floors for efficient access and harvest and assists in the nut harvest operation. 15 %: Orchard Irrigation – Operates and maintains canal/flood irrigation infrastructure in collaboration with local regulatory water district. 15 %: Chemical and Fertilizer Applications – Applies pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, or nutrient chemical sprays as dictated by an Integrated Pest Management plan. Applies fertilizers seasonally, as needed. 10 %: Field Ratings – Performs field ratings of pest presence, disease severity, pecan phenology, and leaf tissue/nut collection. 5 %: Equipment Maintenance – Maintain machinery such as tractors, shakers, mowers, hand-tools, and associated implements. 5 %: Performs other duties as assigned. Required Education & Experience: A bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Soil & Crop Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field. Preferred Experience: Possess at least one (1) year of experience utilizing farm machinery (such as a tractor) and/or applying chemical or nutrient sprays in agriculture. Preferred licenses or certifications for this position: Texas Noncommercial Political Subdivision (NCPS) Pesticide Applicator License (must obtain within 3 months of start date, if not already possessed) Ability to obtain a U.S. Driver’s License Required skills, knowledge or abilities: Commercial or research management of fruit/nut tree orchards. Commercial or research application of herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. Operates, repairs, and maintains basic farm equipment (such as a tractor and associated implements). Manages time effectively and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines. Maintains accurate logs of chemical applications (pesticides), labor hours, crop yields, and safety trainings. Exceptional attention to detail to identify when diseases/pests are affecting tree health. Ability to work independently. Be able to work under adverse conditions, such as high heat and humidity. Ability to lift and carry heavy objects greater than 50 lbs. Knowledge of pecan tree physiology, specifically pruning, nut development stages, and fertilization needs. Operates and maintains specialized orchard equipment such as pruning towers, tree shakers, harvesters, and air-blast sprayers. Operates and maintains heavy equipment (such as a skidsteer, bulldozer, or backhoe). Ability to write reports, present findings, and communicate with scientific colleagues or farmers. Additional requirements: This position involves regular exposure to tree nuts. What You Need to Know This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require sponsorship now or in the future. Position Funding: This temporary position has an end date of August 31, 2027. Extension is contingent upon continued funding and project needs. Location: This position will be located in Brownwood, TX. Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife? When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents. In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following: Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 12-15 days of annual paid holidays Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife Applicant Instructions Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application. Required Documents CV/ Resume Cover letter List of references Certifications/ additional documentation 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/Veterans/Disability Employer. As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service. If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you. Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas A&M AgriLife Research College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University Texas A&M Forest Service Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory Texas A&M AgriLife collaborates with Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Texas A&M University as well as with other public and private partners. Prospective employee benefits Retirement programs Commitment to inclusive excellence Strategic plan