Agriculture​/Animal Associate

Job Summary

In support to the forage‑livestock systems program, Dr. Liliane Silva seeks highly motivated, communicative, eager to learn and organized candidates for a Forages Technician position to work under her program. The Forages Technician will support, assist and manage forage and soil data collection, processing, preparation and laboratory analysis. The individual will also support facility and experimental areas planting, maintenance, and infrastructure development (e.g., temporary fence building for studies), data entry and assist with organization of educational activities developed under the forage‑livestock program.

This individual will be in charge of supervision of laboratory procedures, laboratory orders and organization, manage and plan the activities in the laboratory and support graduate students and research scholars training and sample analysis. Additionally, this individual will be responsible for facility and equipment training, routine maintenance and upkeep. Other duties as assigned.

• Assist and support forage‑livestock research projects:
  Support and assist with soil and forage sample collection, processing, preparation, and laboratory analysis. Activities include harvesting forage samples, collecting soil samples, measuring forage and soil parameters, weighing, grinding, and preparing samples for analysis, data entry, and collecting additional samples (e.g., manure) as required. Supports the supervisor, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows at the research station and on‑farm research sites.
• Manage the laboratory:
  Manage the general laboratory schedule and organization, train and support students in laboratory analyses, write reports, summarize data. Manage laboratory storage and supply inventory, track inventory, input information into Bioraft, communicate issues and maintenance needs, interact with maintenance technicians to ensure equipment functionality. Oversee and communicate storage, maintenance, and product needs. Provide leadership on use, maintenance, transportation, storage, and proper functioning of equipment;
  
  transport equipment to off‑site research locations as needed.
• Land preparation and assigned duties:
  Plant, cultivate, and harvest crops used as livestock feed; build, repair, and maintain permanent or temporary electric fencing. Perform routine health checks, support care, and handle livestock under research projects. Acquire training in IACUC guidelines and pesticide/herbicide application as required.
• Facility and equipment routine maintenance:
  Clean shared spaces routinely, perform basic maintenance and proper organization of equipment (nitrogen analyzer, harvester, etc.) and facilities (field lab, clean lab). Organize and maintain storage of forage and soil samples; conduct routine checks of experimental area infrastructure.
• Support for data collection and educational activities:
  Support and collect data, perform data entry and processing; assist with organization of workshops and educational activities; communicate with supervisor, postdocs, graduate students, and others involved in research under the forage‑livestock systems program.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, or related field. Experience in agricultural research or animal care directly related to the employment area (work experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree on a year‑for‑year basis).
• Work Experience:
  
  1+ years in agricultural systems, laboratory analysis, data collection and analysis, and sample processing.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Sciences, Animal Sciences, or related disciplines.
• Work Experience:
  
  2+ years of relevant experience with forage laboratory equipment and analysis, instruments and techniques; experience with data collection, research trials, sampling, animal handling, and teamwork.

Fundamental working knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures and ability to apply them in varied situations.

• Stand for prolonged periods.
• Sit (stationary position) for prolonged periods.
• Walk or move about.
• Use hands or feet to operate…