Location: Clayton,NC, USA
Central Crops Research Station is one of eighteen agricultural research centers in the state of North Carolina. North Carolina State University owns the Central Crops Research Station with operational management through the Division of Research Stations. North Carolina State University and the Division of Research Stations establish the general operating procedures. The mission of the Central Crops Research Station is to provide resources, personnel, scientific expertise, and facilities to scientists conducting research in field crops, horticulture crops, swine, tobacco, and environmental areas. It is the responsibility of the staff to actively manage and maintain all projects and to develop long and short-term management schemes.
The research includes multi-discipline research projects, complex breeding programs, leaf and soil microbes, insect and disease control, irrigation, fertility, weed management, plasticulture, and pesticide application, tolerance, and efficacy. The station houses a maize seed lab, seed processing area and long term seed storage facility in addition to tobacco and sweet potato curing facilities. It functions as a teaching facility for both graduate and undergraduate students at NCSU providing crop field labs and animals specimens for graduate and undergraduate classes. The station hosts numerous demonstrations, workshops, field days, and instructional programs for the public each year.
Essential Job Duties
This position will manage the horticulture unit acting as the research program manager for assigned projects, budget, staff, students, facilities, care and maintenance of plant material, conduct research projects, and public relations support for the research station. The manager will assess proposed project requirements for station and unit resources and evaluate long-term effects on both. This position will serve as a liaison between the project staff and the research station.
Duties include but are not limited to:
* Plan, schedule and supervise the implementation of production practices for all horticulture crops.
* Conduct performance reviews, provide guidance, leadership, and training for staff development.
* Direct, and monitor employees' activities and work assignments. (daily/weekly)
* Plan, schedule and assist with all tasks related to the establishment, maintenance, and disposition of horticulture plant material and assist in other units as needed.
* Assist research personnel with the implementation of treatments, collection, and recording of data.
* Work with various types of irrigation equipment including but not limited to drip and solid set.
* Assist station management with field assignments and crop rotation decisions.
* Ensure the safety of staff, project staff, and visitors.
* Assist with maintenance of equipment, grounds, buildings, field plots, and other tasks essential to the proper operation of the entire facility.
The validity of research data depends upon the quality of work in the unit manager's position.
This position is located in Clayton, NC.
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Other Responsibilities
* Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
* Bachelor's degree and two years of general research experience OR
* An equivalent combination of training and experience
Other Required Qualifications
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Must be able to lift 50 lbs. on a routine basis over extended periods of time, occasionally lift 75 lbs.
* Ability to operate farm machinery.
* Ability to read and follow pesticide labels and research protocols.
* Ability to collect and record data accurately.
Preferred Qualifications
* Horticulture production, research, and supervisory experience.
* Experience with agricultural pesticides including an understanding of application methods and the ability to calibrate application equipment.
* Knowledge and understanding of pesticide modes of action, pesticide interaction concerns, and how soil affects herbicide selection and rate.
* Understanding of pesticide resistance concerns.
* Experience identifying plant pests and selecting treatment options.
* Experience with precision agriculture equipment and irrigation.
* A working knowledge of Word, Excel, and Farm Management software.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
* A valid driver's license is required for travel. NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire.
* Must obtain a North Carolina Public Pesticide Applicator's license within 9 months of hire date.
* Must obtain a fumigant applicator certification within 9 months of hire date.
* Must obtain NCDA Forklift license within 9 months of hire as a condition of employment
* Licenses must be maintained as a condition of employment
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes Commercial Driver's License required Yes