Research Associate – Turfgrass Management (Dallas)

Texasturf; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation

Wellness initiative

Job summary

A leading agricultural research institution in Dallas is seeking a Research Associate to manage turfgrass research trials, implement cultural practices, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in agronomy or a related field and possess at least two years of research experience. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, along with a valid driver's license and a State of Texas Pesticide Applicator's License. This position offers a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years research experience in related field.
• Possess a State of Texas Pesticide Applicator’s License or obtain it within six months.
• Knowledge of basic turfgrass cultural management practices (mowing, irrigation, pesticides, equipment maintenance).
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Good computer skills with MS Office; willingness to learn other programs.

Responsibilities

• Manage breeding nurseries and research trials.
• Implement research protocols and ensure compliance.
• Supervise part-time employees assisting with turfgrass management.
• Cultivation of ground and pesticide application as needed.
• Procurement of supplies and supervision of part-time staff.
• Summarize information for publication in peer‑reviewed outlets.
• Travel to off-site field environments and collaborating sites.

Skills

Turfgrass cultural management

Irrigation system maintenance

Pesticide application

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Multi-tasking

Motivation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture or related field

Tools

Turfgrass equipment

Job description

program’s research objectives. This position will work closely and collaboratively with

faculty, scientists, and students to support the day-to-day management of field research trials. Responsibilities will include the timely implementation of turfgrass cultural management practices, irrigation scheduling and maintenance, pesticide applications in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements, and operation and maintenance of specialized turfgrass equipment. The Research Associate – Turfgrass Management is expected to contribute effectively in a team-oriented research environment, communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders, and support high-quality data collection

and research outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Manage breeding nurseries and research trials: including seasonal turfgrass cultural practices such as routine mowing, irrigation scheduling, and fertilizer applications in support of golf course and lawn-based These duties require operating an agency vehicle.
• Implement research protocols, which include trial setup, treatment application and data
• Irrigation repair and
• Equipment calibration, repair and
• Cultivation of ground for
• Timely pesticide
• Procurement of supplies from
• Supervision of part-time/wage-payroll employees assisting with turfgrass
• Summarize and compile information for publication in peer reviewed
• Other duties

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and
• Minimum of at least two years Research experience in agronomy, horticulture, turfgrass management or a closely related
• Knowledge in basic turfgrass cultural management practices, including rotary and reel mowing, irrigation system maintenance and repair, pesticide application, and basic equipment maintenance.
• Organizational skills and ability to work effectively in a research
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Good computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office and willingness to learn other programs as needed.
• Enthusiastic, highly motivated, and
• Ability to multi-task and work co-operatively with
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain by start of
• Possess a State of Texas Pesticide Applicator’s License or obtain the license within six months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of operation, repair and maintenance of specialized turfgrass equipment such as aerifiers, verticutters, sod harvesters, and reel mowers is
• Knowledge of installation, repair and programming of irrigation systems is
• Bi-lingual communication is

Other Requirements:

• Travels to outdoor field environments, off-campus research sites and collaborating institutions as part of the research

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Applicant Instructions: Please submit (1) curriculum vitae, (2) a minimum of three

references. Failure to provide requested documents could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.

Why Work at Texas AsM AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas ACM AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas ACM AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas ACM AgriLife

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/Veterans/Disability Employer.