Research Technician II

Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Lubbock, TX seeks a Research Technician II to support the corn breeding program. Responsibilities include seed preparation, field plot maintenance, data collection, and supervision of student workers. This is an hourly paid staff position offering hands-on agricultural research experience.

The role requires a high school diploma, 3 years of related experience, and ability to operate farm and office equipment. Weekend work during planting seasons may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Three years of related experience.
• Knowledge of farm equipment; ability to use office equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Working knowledge of general office procedures, computers and equipment.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and package seeds for field trials and breeding nursery.
• Plant field plots and apply herbicides, fertilizers, and irrigation.
• Pollinate and harvest nursery; collect data and samples.
• Shell and process hand-harvested corn ears; enter data and maintain seed inventory.
• Maintain equipment and assist in hiring/supervising student workers.

Skills

Follow instructions

Office procedures

Interpersonal skills

Multi-tasking

Minimal supervision

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Farm equipment knowledge

Office equipment operation

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 Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
• Texas A&M Forest Service

Job Title

Research Technician II

Agency

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department

Lubbock

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Lubbock, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

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

The Research Technician II is responsible for helping the corn breeding program by preparing and package seeds, plant/maintain field plots, supervising student workers, keeping up with repairs and maintenance of vehicles and machinery.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and package seeds for field trials and a breeding nursery; plant field plots; apply herbicides, fertilizers and irrigation water according to research protocols; pollinate and harvest nursery; collect data and samples from field experiments; harvest yield trials and other breeding materials; shell and process hand-harvested corn ears; enter data into computer; maintain seed inventory; maintain, operate and service research equipment; assist in hiring and supervising student workers; and perform other job duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of related experience.
• Knowledge of farm equipment. Ability to use office equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Working knowledge of general office procedures, computers and equipment.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships and ability to work effectively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Texas Driver's license.

Other Requirements

• Ability to lift moderately heavy objects.
• Ability to exert heavy force.
• Ability to work outside standard office hours.
• Ability to work in weekends and holidays during planting, pollination, and harvesting season.

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.

Benefits

• 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 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 A&M AgriLife

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.