Forages Field Technician

CLEMU Clemson University; Blackville (SC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemson University seeks a Forages Field Technician to support a USDA-funded project evaluating forage-livestock systems in South Carolina. The role involves operating a LICOR-based gas flux system, collecting soil and forage data, and assisting with field and lab tasks at the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville with frequent SC travel.

The candidate should be self-motivated, able to plan, lead and communicate across groups, and meet project deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in animal husbandry, agriculture or a related field, with substitution allowed year-for-year for experience.
• Experience with flux measurement or data logging is preferred but training is provided.
• Ability to plan, manage, lead and communicate tasks across groups; strong data interpretation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead soil greenhouse gas measurement using a LICOR system and smart-chambers.
• Coordinate land prep, planting, grazing and livestock management for forage research.
• Collect, weigh, grind and process forage and soil samples in lab and field settings.
• Assist with data entry, processing and organization of workshops and educational activities.
• Maintain equipment and ensure safety and compliance with study protocols.

Skills

Data collection

Communication

Leadership

Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in animal husbandry or agriculture

Tools

LICOR system

Data loggers

Job description

Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY: In support of the USDA-funded project, Dr. Liliane Silva at Clemson University seeks highly motivated candidates for a Forages Field Technician position to work on a multi-disciplinary team that will evaluate forage-livestock systems through forage, soil and greenhouse gas data collection and sampling in South Carolina. The Field Technician will lead the measurement of soil greenhouse gas fluxes using an automated, multi-chamber, LICOR system, and smart-chambers. Additionally, the technician will support Silva's research and Extension program directly. The position is based out of the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville, SC, but involves frequent travel within South Carolina and interaction with producer collaborating in multiple research efforts. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and eager to learn, adopt and implement techniques as needed; has ability to plan, manage, lead, and communicate tasks/results across groups; collect, analyze and interpret data; meet the deadlines as required by the supervisor and project (s); communicates clearly, is well organized, centered, has strong work ethics, dedicated; able to follow instructions as assigned and follow through on tasks. Some prior experience with flux measurement and data loggers is preferred, but not required since training will be provided.

Job Duties

• 10% - Land preparation, and assigned duties to plant, cultivate and harvest crops utilized as feed for livestock. Build, repair and provide maintenance for permanent or temporary electric fencing utilized on research areas for research projects. Performs routine health checks and monitors status, supports care, and handling of livestock under research projects under the forage-livestock systems program. Acquires the proper training and adheres to the established IACUC guidelines and requirements for the use of livestock in research projects to guarantee adequate work development and data collection. Thus, acquires training for pesticide application and any other required training as assigned by supervisor.
• 35% - Equipment data collection, use, transportation and maintenance: Transport of the LICOR system to farms at weekly intervals, assembly, basic troubleshooting, data collection, and initial data processing. Additionally, acquires proper training to utilize basic and specific forage research equipment and provides leadership to their utilization and adheres to the maintenance schedules and provide leadership on proper use, maintenance, transportation, storage, and guarantees the proper functioning of all equipment under the forage-livestock program. Transports equipment to off-site research locations when necessary to conduct research projects. Additional duties may be assigned.
• 35% - Assist and support forage-livestock research projects: Activities will include but are not limited to plot preparation, pasture planting, establishment and grazing, beef cattle handling, mowing, herbicide application, among others. Laboratory work, including collecting, weighing, grinding and processing forage and soil samples. Additionally, sample preparation for analysis, data entry, and collecting various samples such as forage, soil, manure and cattle weights. Support and assist the work conducted by the supervisor, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at the research station and on-farm research sites.
• 10% - Support for data collection and educational activities: supports and collects data, data entry and processing responsibilities, as directed by project leader(s). Assist with the organization of workshops and educational activities. Provides proper communication with supervisor and others and works with supervisor, postdocs, graduate students and others who may be developing research under the forage-livestock systems program. Additional duties may be assigned.
• 10% - Facility and equipment routine cleanness and maintenance: repairs, clean shared spaces routinely and provides regular basic maintenance and proper organization to equipment (e.g., drill, harvester, etc), facilities (e.g., field lab, clean lab) and organization and storage of forage and soil samples. Organizes and maintain properly storage of seed and fertilizer, and shared spaces for sample processing. Oversees and communicates storage, maintenance, and product needs. Oversees and conduct routine checks of experimental area infrastructure (e.g., fencing). Additional duties may be assigned.

Job Code / Employee Type

JOB CODE: LA25 EMPLOYEE TYPE: Time-Limited (TLP) Staff

Minimum Requirements

A bachelor's degree in animal husbandry, agriculture or a related field and work experience that is directly related to the area of employment. Work experience that is directly related to the area of employment may be substituted for the bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

JOB KNOWLEDGE Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Not responsible for supervising employees.

Budgetary Responsibilities

Fiscal responsibilities for the department's budget, including but not limited to, financial planning and managing fund allocation.

Physical Requirements

Stand for Prolonged Period: % Move, transport, raise or lower 50 lbs or more: % Walk or move about: % Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself: % Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl): % Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc.: % Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: % Extends hands or arms in any direction: % Recognize or inspect visually: % Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder): % Perceive, observe, clarity of vision: % Move, transport, raise or lower 30lbs or less:

Working Conditions

None:

Work Schedule

Standard Hours: 37.5

Compensation Information

Expected Salary Range - Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

Essential Personnel Level

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives, and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

Job Location

Blackville, SC

Application Deadline

October 21, 2026

Military and Veteran

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties. Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications, have been discharged under honorable conditions, and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact [e-mail] with any questions or issues.

Closing Statement

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.