RESEARCH FARM SPECIALIST 2

State of Louisiana; Rayne (LA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

LSU AgCenter’s H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station in Rayne, LA seeks a Research Farm Specialist 2 to operate and maintain research fields and equipment. The role involves assisting with rice seed handling, data collection, and plot layout while supporting research projects across the station.

The position offers a 40-hour week, with possible weekend work during harvest and events. Salary is determined by qualifications and experience, with scale ranging hourly from the minimum to the top

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in research farming or in farm management.
• Three years of experience in farming.
• Twelve semester hours in an agricultural field.

Responsibilities

• Operates and adjusts tractors, tillage implements, mowers and other equipment used to prepare and maintain research fields.
• Assists with harvesting and cleaning foundation rice seed, including operation and cleaning of grain bins and seed cleaning equipment.
• Works with research and farm personnel to prepare and maintain research areas; observes and reports field, crop, and equipment conditions.
• Assists with laying out and establishing research plots with field observations, measurements, sampling, harvesting, and data collection.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job description

The LSU AgCenter focuses on research, extension and teaching to make advancements that will benefit generations. The LSU AgCenter is one of nine campuses of the LSU System. With offices in every parish and research stations across the state, the LSU AgCenter is committed to serving the citizens of Louisiana. That pledge includes our dedication to agriculture and the vital work of providing innovation and support for the food and fiber sector while improving agriculture’s valuable contributions to the state’s economy.

Our educational efforts span nutrition and health, food safety, backyard gardening, disaster preparedness, storm recovery, youth development, managing insects and natural threats, economic development, resource conservation and so much more. The LSU AgCenter provides individuals, families, businesses, schools, industries and local governments with valuable information aimed at improving economic conditions, general wellness and quality of life. Our faculty members across the state are actively engaged in research that creates solutions for the many aspects of agriculture while serving all residents of Louisiana. For more information on the LSU AgCenter, click here: LSU AgCenter.

The H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station is hiring a Research Farm Specialist 2. More information can be found here: H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station.

• Two years of experience in research farming or in farm management; OR
• Three years of experience in farming; OR
• Twelve semester hours in an agricultural field.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

As a Research Farm Specialist 2, you will have the following job duties:

• Operates and adjusts tractors, tillage implements, mowers, land-leveling equipment, ditchers, combines, and other agricultural equipment used to prepare and maintain research fields. Performs tillage, seedbed preparation, land leveling, drainage maintenance, mowing, harvesting, and other required field operations. (50%)
• Assists with harvesting and cleaning foundation rice seed, including operation and cleaning of grain bins and seed cleaning equipment. (20%)
• Works with research and farm personnel to prepare and maintain research areas. Observes and reports field, crop, and equipment conditions that may effect research activities or results. Performs routine equipment inspections, adjustments, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs. (15%)
• Assists with laying out and establishing research plots with field observations, measurements, sampling, harvesting, and research data collection. . (15%)
• Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Position-Specific Details:

• Appointment Type: This position does not participate in a Career Progression Group.
• Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, M-F, with the potential for some weekend work during harvest season and special events.
• Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
• Minimum - $17.18/hour; 1st Quartile - $20.62/hour; Midpoint - $24.05/hour; 3rd Quartile - $27.49/hour; Maximum - $30.92/hour.
• Location: H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station, Rayne, La.
• This position is not eligible for remote employment.

The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information:

For further information about this vacancy contact: Rebecca Smelley at [e-mail].