Job Posting Information
| Posting Number |
PG194563SP |
| Internal Recruitment |
No |
| Working Title |
Research Specialist |
| Anticipated Hiring Range |
Commensurate with experience ($55,055) |
| Work Schedule |
Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:30pm; extended and other hours and weekends as required |
| Job Location |
Mills River, NC |
| Department |
Mountain Horticultural Crops Research |
| About the Department |
The Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center supports agricultural research on horticultural and other crops relevant to western North Carolina and the state of North Carolina. The Center provides resources such as land, equipment, facilities, expertise, and personnel to research scientists conducting field research on agricultural commodities. The 397 acre Center houses 12 administrative and operational staff, as well as research faculty from six academic departments and administrative offices for two Cooperative Extension district offices. The Center is also a hub in western North Carolina for Extension education programs. |
| Essential Job Duties |
The Research Specialist will be responsible for operational management of horticultural crops. This position will provide technical knowledge and skills to support existing research programs and will develop and implement management plans to support objectives and meet the needs of research project leaders. This position will direct the work of permanent and temporary employees.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement plans for cultural management, pest control, and fertility of horticultural crops, including diagnosing and resolving any crop issues that arise.
- Perform and supervise physically demanding tasks associated with crop production, including planting, cultivating, and harvesting all crops
- Maintain appropriate documentation for field, pesticide, and fumigation records.
- In coordination with the superintendent, be responsible for determining horticultural labor requirements, assigning work to staff (including temporary labor), and monitoring work completion.
- Operate farm equipment, including tractors, planters, and precision agriculture equipment tools
- Operate, monitor, and maintain various types of irrigation equipment, including but not limited to drip and solid set
- Assist with the maintenance of equipment, grounds, buildings, field plots, and other tasks essential to the proper operation of the entire facility
- Assist research personnel with the implementation of research, collection, and recording of data
- Ensure the safety of research station staff, project staff, and visitors
- Effectively communicate station information to various groups, including commodity groups, Master Gardeners, and K-12 school groups
- Assist other research stations, field labs, and related units as directed by the superintendent
The validity of research data depends upon the quality of work of this position.
This position is located in Mills River, NC.
You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone. |
| Other Responsibilities |
- Maintain accountability for station vehicles, equipment, and PPE, adhering to established procedures for usage, maintenance, and record retention.
|
Qualifications
| Minimum Experience/Education |
Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. |
| Other Required Qualifications |
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office systems (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or similar.
- Knowledge of horticultural crop management.
- Experience operating agricultural equipment.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and safe work habits.
- Must be willing and able to use a respirator as required.
- Must be willing to lift up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 60 pounds on occasion, with or without reasonable accommodation.
|
| Preferred Qualifications |
- Preference for candidates with a degree in horticulture or related discipline; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
- Experience in vegetable crop production, tree fruit production, and/or applied research
|
| Required License or Certification |
- A valid NC Driver's License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.
- A valid Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment.
- NC Commercial Driver's License (or ability to acquire within 180 days of hire)
- NC Public Pesticide Applicator's License (or ability to acquire within 90 days of hire)
- NC Fumigation Applicators License (or ability to acquire within 90 days of hire)
- Be able to pass an annual respiratory physical and fit test.
|
| Valid NC Driver's License required |
Yes |
| Commercial Driver's License Required? |
Yes |
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
| Job Open Date |
04/24/2025 |
| Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.) |
05/01/2025 |
| Notice to Applicants |
|
| Special Instructions |
Please attach a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. |
Position Details
| Position Number |
00042397 |
| Position Type |
SHRA |
| Position Classification Band Title |
Research Specialist |
| Position Classification Band Level |
Journey |
| Position Classification Salary Range |
$ 45,454 - $ 109,409 |
| Salary Grade Equivalency |
GN10 |
| Alternate Option |
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations. |
| Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) |
1.0 |
| Appointment |
12 Month Recurring |
| Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather |
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather |
| Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events |
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event |
| Time Limited Position |
No |
| Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable) |
|
| Department Id |
115004 - Mountain Horticultural Crops Research |
| AA/EEO |
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or
workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
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. |
|
North Carolina State University
$ 45,454 - $ 109,409
Apr 24, 2025