Research Specialist-Crop Variety Trials

Position Information

Description & Details:

Job Title: Research Specialist - Crop Variety Trials

Location: Dickinson, ND

Job Type: Full Time Benefited

Department: Dickinson Research Extension Center

Reports To: Center Director

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Research Specialist to lead and support research focused on crop variety trials and assist colleagues with research implementation. The ideal candidate will bridge science and practice to inform producers, Extension agents, agronomy consultants, crop breeders, and others on variety performance on the great variety of crops grown in southwest North Dakota.

The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30pm. There would be some travel required for travel to off station research plots and attending meetings and conferences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement, install, manage, assess, analyze, and report crop variety trial results.
• Collaborate/share trial data with DREC research agronomist, other REC's, Extension personnel, crop breeders, and others.
• Analyze trial data and collaborate with colleagues.
• Center liaison with all interested individuals and collaborators of crop variety testing conducted at Dickinson and affiliated off-station locations.
• Assist in the implementation and management of Extension specialists and DREC Director with applied research projects.
• Assist in maintaining roadways, grounds maintenance, and maintain research grounds.
• Assist with capital improvement, deferred maintenance, and maintenance projects.
• Work safely and use personal protective equipment.
• Operate and maintain farm plot equipment.
• Operate and maintain agronomy laboratory equipment.
• Contribute to educational and outreach efforts, including workshops, trainings, and stakeholder engagement.
• Secure research funding through grants, partnerships, and cooperative agreements.
• Supervise research assistants, technicians, and graduate students (as applicable).
• Other duties as assigned.

Hiring Range: $40,000 - $50,000

Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.

Qualifications:

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Protection, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with experiment implementation, field data collection, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and stakeholder groups.
• Experience operating and maintaining farm equipment including tractors, combines, plot planters, lawn mowers, skid steers, fertilizer and pesticide applicators and more.
• Familiarity with crop production systems in southwest North Dakota.
• Possess a commercial pesticide applicator's license or the ability to obtain.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to field sites.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Protection, or a closely related field.
• Possess a Certified Crop Advisor or similar certification.
• Experience in securing research funding and managing projects.
• Experience using farm equipment technologies (i.e. yield monitors, GIS/remote sensing technologies).
• Experience using Mirrus and Genovix software and HarvestMaster systems.

Core Competencies:

• Experience with experiment implementation, field data collection, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Experience operating and maintaining farm equipment.
• Experience with data collection, management, and analysis.
• Ability to work safely
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Familiarity with crop production systems in southwest North Dakota.

Applicant Materials Required:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• 3 references

Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words-it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. "My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person" and "I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you'll experience here.

NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!

Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.

Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:

Health & Wellness

• 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
• Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
• Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
• Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation

Exceptional Retirement Plan

• Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position

(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.

Time Away & Support

• Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
• Supportive work-life balance

Education Benefits That Grow With You

• Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
• 50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents

Additional Optional Benefits

• Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
• Supplemental Retirement Plans

Explore Full Benefit Details:

Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.

NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.

NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, or participation in lawful activity off the employers premises during nonworking hours which is not in direct conflict with the essential business-related interests of the employer, as applicable. Direct inquiries to Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 100, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu.

No Smoking Notice:

As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

Veteran's Preference Notice:

This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.

Reasonable Accommodation Information:

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.