Agronomy, Animal Husbandry, Botany, Communication Skills, Conferences, Data Collection, Data Entry, Data Management, Detail Oriented, Dietary Management, Driver's License, Field Trials, Higher Education, Logistics, Microsoft Office, Nutrition, Operations Research, Organizational Skills, Pest Control, Phlebotomy, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Record Keeping, Research Laboratory, Soil Science, Technical Operations, Time Management, Writing Skills
This position supports applied research in forage systems and beef cattle nutrition and management. The successful candidate will work closely with the Extension Specialist and the Auburn University Beef-Forage Research Team to implement and manage field-level research and outreach activities across Alabama.
This is a full-time, 5-year limited-term position. Continuation of employment is contingent upon the availability of funding.
Responsibilities:
Essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Research Support and Field Trial Management
- Collaborate with the Extension Specialist to plan and execute statewide integrated pest management (IPM) and forage-beef systems research.
- Assist in protocol development, data collection, and supervision of seasonal field trials.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure timely data entry and management using Microsoft Office tools.
2. Technical Operations and Experimentation
- Manage equipment, supplies, and logistics for field and lab-based research.
- Design and implement small plot and grazing experiments.
- Conduct pesticide applications, forage sampling (manual and mechanical), and basic cattle handling (e.g., chute work, vaccinations, blood draws).
- Travel regularly to research sites across the state.
3. Extension and Outreach Engagement
- Support planning and execution of public-facing events such as field days, grazing schools, and stakeholder conferences.
- Coordinate with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers to ensure smooth event operations and research dissemination.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s in Animal Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Science, or a related field; no experience required.
- Valid Driver's License
Desired:
Cattle handling experience.
SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- General knowledge of livestock systems and field research practices.
- Experience with moderately complex research equipment and procedures.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience in cattle handling is preferred.
- Organizational skills and attention to detail are highly valued.
Why Work at Auburn:
- Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
- Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
- We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
- Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
- A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
- Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!
Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement:
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.A
Auburn University
Welcome to Auburn University, a
comprehensive land, space and sea grant research institution blending arts and applied sciences. The University
continuously changes to accommodate today's needs, while still respecting the traditions and spirit of Auburn. As we grow and change, Auburn will always continue its tradition of excellence.
The main campus had an enrollment during fall of 2007 of 24,137. Auburn University offers degrees in 13 schools and colleges at the undergraduate,
graduate and professional levels.
Auburn University is known not only for its academic excellence, but for its impact on Alabama as well. A recent study
determined AU had nearly $ 4 billion
economic impact on the state of Alabama, including a $ 1.5 billion impact on the economy and a $ 2.4 billion impact in "human capital." AU's Technical Assistance Center, a collaborative Engineering / Business outreach unit, performs hundreds of projects annually for state industry, generating millions of dollars in increased efficiencies and saving or creating hundreds of jobs statewide.
Auburn University has developed into one of the largest universities in the South, remaining in the educational forefront with its traditional blend of arts and applied science, and changing with the needs of today while living with a respect for the traditions and spirit that are Auburn.