Research Technician II

Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Beaumont (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Beaumont, TX seeks a Research Technician II to provide technical support for breeding and research activities. Under general supervision, you will evaluate, select, and apply standard and advanced techniques in field, greenhouse, and lab settings.

The role involves seed and land prep, planting, data collection, and assisting in crossing for new breeding populations. It is an hourly paid staff position with commensurate compensation.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent plus 3 years of related experience.
• Experience in growing, managing, and harvesting rice and samples in field/greenhouse.
• Ability to measure data and compile results; operate field and lab equipment.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Responsibilities

• Conducts seed and land preparation and planting of research trials in the field and greenhouse.
• Manages crop growth, irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide applications.
• Harvests yields and collects samples; records data in Excel/Word.
• Assists in making crosses for development of new breeding populations.
• Operates and maintains field and lab equipment.
• Trains and assigns tasks to student workers and co-workers.
• Travels to Puerto Rico for harvesting plant materials.
• Assists staff in major field experiments and helps develop procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Rice cultivation

Data collection

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Title Research Technician II

Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department Beaumont

Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate

Job Location Beaumont, Texas

Job Type Staff

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Position Information

We are seeking a Research Technician II, under general supervision, will provide technical support for breeding and research work to the professional staff. The technician will evaluate, select, and standard and advanced scientific techniques used in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory functions. Work performed by the technician will be evaluated based on the successful completion of tasks assigned.

Responsibilities

• Conducts seed and land preparation and planting of research trials and breeding nurseries in the field and greenhouse, manages the crop growth throughout the season (e.g., irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide application), and harvests for yield or plant samples.
• Collects samples and measures data from research trials and breeding nurseries. Collects and summarizes crop management information of research trials and breeding nurseries.
• Conducts and records yield and quality (using grain analyzers) measurements. Compiles the data using Excel and Word.
• Assists in making crosses for the development of new breeding populations.
• Operates and maintains the functionality of field (e.g., tractors, planters, combine harvester, threshers, and backhoe) and lab technical equipment (e.g., rice dehullers, mills, and whiteness and moisture meters).
• Plants, harvest and takes data in off station yield trials.
• Trains and assigns tasks as necessary to student workers and co-workers under his supervision
• Travels to Puerto Rico for harvesting plant materials.
• Assists staff members in conducting major field experiments and consults in developing procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of related experience.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform responsibilities listed above, such as growing, managing, and harvesting rice and samples in field and greenhouse nurseries or experiments; data measurement and compilation; and operating and maintaining field and lab equipment.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience

What You Need To Know

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

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M 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 A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand at leasteight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in theTeacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife