Horticulture Technician

Posting Details

Position/Classification

Title:

Research Technician

Classification Type: SHRA

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies: N - Not Mandatory

Minimum Experience/

Education:

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Experience , Skills, Training,

Education:

MS in Horticulture, Agribusiness, Agroecology, or equivalency is preferred;
Working experience s at commercial farms preferred and at least two years of related fruit and vegetable production experience; at least two years of experience in working (hands‑on) in horticulture with a focus on fruit and vegetable production and at least one year (hands‑on) experience with high tunnel, greenhouse and organic production systems; knowledge of farm financial analysis and food safety;

experience in collecting and inputting data (i.e., production costs, crop yields); experience in preparing for field days, tours and other on‑farm educational events; knowledge of soil sampling, variety trials, cover crop productions/benefits, and report preparation and dissemination; ability to use and maintain basic horticulture farm equipment (tractors and implements, hand tools, zero‑turn mower, tiller, weed eater, etc.) and basic computer software for recordkeeping and financial analysis (EXCEL);

ability to lift at least 50 lbs and work in inclement weather.

The Research Technician - Horticulture provides technical, hands‑on support for top‑ranked integrated field research and educational programs involving the North Carolina A&T State University Agricultural Research program, and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems Small Farm Unit, in Goldsboro, NC. This position is responsible to support and assist in a unique long‑term specialty fruit and vegetable research program in the nation involving production, variety trials, data collections, data analysis, report preparation, and community engagement under the leadership of CEFS Director at NC A&T and the Small Farm Unit manager.

Duties include crop establishment and maintenance; harvesting/post‑harvest handling of crops associated with researchers and research support in CAES; greenhouse and high tunnel management; recordkeeping, financial benchmark analysis, data collection and entry; and communication with researchers, staff, students, producer groups and community‑based organizations, co‑workers, and other organization staff.

Data Collection

Performs data collection and hands‑on clinical procedures per study protocols; compiles and maintains data, organizes and prepares data for computer input; operates and maintains farm equipment and tools; prepares and stores or sends laboratory samples per study protocol; meets with PI, study monitors and sponsors regularly; generates data and presents information in narrative and graphical format at regular project meetings; responsible for record‑keeping and farm benchmarking analysis, including data collection and entry as well as evaluations using software programs (EXCEL, FINPACK).

Knowledge – Technical

Demonstrates in‑depth knowledge of the area of specialization, the program, process, and organizational operation; provides technical, hands‑on support for research and educational programs in horticulture and financial benchmarking; establishes and maintains crops, including activities of seeding, planting, weeding, fertilizing, pest control, harvesting, and other horticultural and agricultural tasks; harvests crops and handles post‑harvesting duties, including plot clean‑up; assists with preparation of reports, peer‑reviewed articles, and educational materials;

manages greenhouse and high tunnels; uses and maintains job‑related tools, equipment and facilities.

Communication – Verbal/Written

Interacts positively with researchers, staff, producer groups, community‑based organizations as well as co‑workers and other organization staff; analyzes the resulting data and reports them to principal investigator; manages time allocation, analyzes data, reports results to principal investigator and collaborating investigator; this…