Research Technician II

Job Title Research Technician II

Agency Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department Beaumont

Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate

Job Location Beaumont, Texas

Job Type Staff

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

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

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

• Texas A&M Agri Life Extension Service
• Texas A&M Agri Life 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 Agri Life 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 Agri Life is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience

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

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

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M Agri Life contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leaveand 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 Agri Life