Temporary Research Technician - Mills River, NC

NC State University; Mills River (NC); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking institution as a Temporary Research Technician, where you'll engage in hands-on research in fruit physiology. This role involves outdoor activities, including field plot maintenance, data collection, and fruit quality assessments. Ideal for those passionate about agriculture, this temporary position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research while gaining valuable experience. If you're ready to embrace the outdoors and make a difference in horticultural science, this role is perfect for you. The position runs from March through August 2025, offering a chance to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Combination of training and experience required to perform job duties.
• Ability to conduct physical activities outdoors, including manual labor.

Responsibilities

• Support research in fruit physiology through field plot maintenance.
• Conduct data collection, entry, and fruit quality assessments.

Skills

Agricultural Experience

Physical Endurance

Teamwork

Reliability

Education

Current college student/recent graduate in agriculture

Degree in biological, environmental or horticultural science

Job description

Temporary Research Technician - Mills River, NC

The position is located at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC, near Asheville. This position will support research in the area of fruit physiology (apple and blackberry). Job duties include: maintenance of field plots, set-up of field experiments, data collection, data entry, travel to commercial orchards, organization/preparation for harvest, fruit harvest and grading, fruit quality assessments, laboratory work, etc. Pesticide applications may be necessary. Outdoor activities often involve manual labor and can be strenuous. When required, field activities will be conducted in inclement weather. This is a temporary position running from March through August 2025.

Work Schedule:
Monday through Friday; 8am-5pm. When needed, pre-8am start time and post-5pm ending time required. Weekend work may be required occasionally.

Minimum Requirements:

• Combination of training and experience required to perform the duties
• Experience in agriculture
• Ability to conduct physical activities outdoors (bending, standing, walking)
• Willingness to perform repetitive tasks
• Ability to work well with others
• Reliable and prompt

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current college student/recent graduate of agriculture, biological, environmental or horticultural science

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.