Search for University Jobs in Agriculture

• Familiarity with state and federal USDA regulations on field cultivation, cover crop management, and integrated pest management.
• Sample, monitor and document plant growth, health, and development across research projects.
• Diagnose and manage plant diseases and pests using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles.
• Manage fertilizer and irrigation need for plants including microbiome application and improvement
• Support research efforts to improve soil health, crop yield, and plant quality through sustainable agricultural practices.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data recording, reporting, and presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to record, organize, analyze and report project data on plant performance, soil conditions, and environmental variables.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with the capacity to work independently under the guidance of the project scientists and managers.
• Physical ability and farm equipment certificate to conduct fieldwork including planting, cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and harvesting by hand as well as operating corresponding farm machines.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate agricultural and research farm equipment.
• Assist with the design and implementation of field and greenhouse experiments. 

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct on-site visits to identify and assess problems in open field and protected field plant cultivation, including issues related to soil health, plant stress, water management, and pest control.
• Independently maintain plant cares for plant cultivation following project needs and director’s advice.
• Assist research scientists and project managers in developing and implementing the best agricultural practices, including optimal planting techniques, nutrient management, and irrigation scheduling.
• Ensure proper utilization, upkeep, calibration, and troubleshooting of agricultural research equipment.
• Prepare and deliver research results for presentations and reports.
• Collect and maintain all research records including field problem identification and intervention measures.
• Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date records for all research projects assigned and coordinate with supervisor for CAAS field needs.
• Work closely with the CAAS research teams to implement shared-use infrastructure, co-op agreements, and terms of use for equipment.
• Identify barriers and provide feedback to the Associate Dean for Research Program needs. 

Qualifications

• Master of Science in Plant and Soil Science or a related agricultural discipline. 
• At least five years of experience in agricultural research on plants, with specific experience in plant care and pest management. 
• Strong knowledge of plant and soil science, horticultural crops, plant pathology, and IPM principles. 
• Hands-on experience in field crop cultivation, pest and disease diagnostics, and sustainable production methods.
• Demonstrated experience with the operation, upkeep, and maintenance of agricultural research.
• Professional presentation experience to stakeholders.