Extension Assistant
: Job Details :

Job Title

Extension Assistant

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

Department

Soil & Crop Sciences

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Weslaco, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Extension Assistant, under general supervision, performs programmatic and outreach responsibilities for the assigned extension program.

Responsible for field demonstration, establishment and maintenance of field experiments, data collection and data management including soil and crop samples, analysis and reporting of field and lab data. Good knowledge and skills in using spreadsheets such as Microsoft excel for data entry and management as well as knowledge and skills in using any statistical software for data analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities:

Job Responsibilities Field work (50%) Mark and establish demonstration/experimental plots Collect pre- and post-plant soil samples Collect and process crop samples (biomass and yield) Apply chemicals including fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, etc. Collect crop canopy data using crop sensors Data entry and management (30%) Able to use Microsoft word for report writing Use Microsoft excel for entering field data Perform basic statistical analysis such means using any software Maintain database of weather, soil, and crop data Shipping and handling of samples Maintain inventory of research equipment and supplies Lab work (20%) Process soil samples; sort, dry, grind, etc Process crop samples; dry grain or biomass samples, grind samples for lab analysis Perform simple lab tests on soil samples including pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, water content, etc.

* Assists with program and outreach efforts.

* Produces and or delivers presentations

* Assists in the initiation of applied research studies, collects, and processes data and generates reports.

* Other duties as required.

Required Education and Experience:

* Bachelor's degree in any agriculture related fields including soil science, agronomy, agricultural or biosystems engineering, crop sciences, agroecology, or agricultural economics, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

* No prior experience required.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Relevant experience in agriculture research and field demonstration

At least 2 years of related agriculture experience

Required knowledge, skills and abilities:

Ability to work independently and collegially as part of a team of collaborators

Knowledge of word processing, database, presentation and spreadsheet applications.

Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work outdoors in the field sometimes under high heat, especially during summer

Ability to work early in the morning to beat the summer heat

Able to drive a medium-sized state truck for field work

Ability to carry light to medium-sized weight of 50 pounds

Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:

Skills in data entry, management, analysis and reporting

Field experimental methods including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

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/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.