Research Specialist - Crop and Soil Sciences

North Carolina State University

$ 45,454 - $ 109,409

United States, Maryland, Beltsville

Jan 14, 2025

Job Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194420SP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research Specialist - Crop and Soil Sciences
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with experience
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm, varies based on season and program needs
Job Location	Beltsville, MD
Department	Crop and Soil Sciences
About the Department	The Precision Sustainable Agriculture program is a network of researchers across the country collaborating to develop integrated knowledge-intensive sustainable agriculture practices into a precision framework to maximize farm productivity, and sustainability through the use of an information ecology that connects farms, data, tools, and people for optimal, real-time decision making. The PSA program is housed within the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences which encompasses diverse disciplines in research extension and teaching. The department's mission is to develop future leaders in crop, soil, and environmental sciences, improve crop plants and products, devise effective and sustainable crop production systems, devise effective and sustainable soil management techniques in both agriculture and urban settings; and disseminate crop, soil, and environmental science knowledge for the benefit of users and producers of food, feed turf, biofuels and fiber in North Carolina, the nation and the world.
Essential Job Duties	The Research Specialist will be part of the Precision Sustainable Agriculture research program located at Beltsville, MD. This position will provide technical expertise for all farm /research equipment and tools. Maintain, repair, organize, plan, and schedule equipment use with all involved research projects. Assist with the preparation, planning, maintaining, and harvesting of field research plots. Coordinate multiple concurrent assignments. Take charge of safety protocols and be responsible for training all staff and students in the proper use and safety of all lab equipment. This will include GIS equipment for mapping and chemical safety storage and usage. The Research Specialist will join the Precision Sustainable Agriculture research program based in Beltsville, MD. This role requires providing technical expertise and support for all farm and research equipment. Key responsibilities include: Maintaining, repairing, organizing, and scheduling the use of equipment for various research projects Assist in the preparation, planning, maintenance, and harvesting of field research plots while effectively coordinating multiple concurrent assignments. Lead safety protocols, ensuring compliance with best practices and regulatory standards. Training staff and students on the proper and safe use of all lab equipment, including GIS tools for mapping and chemical safety protocols for storage and handling. This position is stationed at BARC - Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, MD, and is time-limited to one year.
Other Responsibilities	Participation/membership in Tri-socities

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education	Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Other Required Qualifications	Experience with farm equipment.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience in an agriculture setting. Experience in equipment use /maintenance in commercial settings. GIS experience.
Required License or Certification	A valid Driver's License and the ability to obtain a Driver's License within 60 days of hire. A valid Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	01/13/2025
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.)	01/17/2025
Notice to Applicants
Special Instructions	Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Please make sure that the information entered on the application matches what is on your resume.

Position Details

Position Number	00111262
Position Type	SHRA
Position Classification Band Title	Research Specialist
Position Classification Band Level	Journey
Position Classification Salary Range	$ 45,454 - $ 109,409
Salary Grade Equivalency	GN10
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)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Time Limited Position	Yes
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)	1 year
Department Id	110901 - Crop and Soil Sciences
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.