Faculty Research Assistant: Wheat Breeding & Genetics Research

Faculty Research Assistant:
Wheat Breeding & Genetics Research

The Department of Crop & Soil Science invites applications for a full-time (1.00

FTE), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant (FRA) position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. The incumbent in this position contributes to the mission of Oregon State University Agricultural Experiment Station (OSUAES) with principal responsibility for providing technical support for the Wheat Breeding and Genetics research program within the Department of Crop and Soil Science. This position will be housed in Umatilla County with possible work between Hermiston and Pendleton stations.

Occasional travel to Corvallis will be required.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audience.

Key Responsibilities - 40%— Responsible for management of field trials. This includes field preparation, planting, spraying, fertilizing, irrigation, rouging, flagging, and harvesting. Will collect, analyze, interpret, draw conclusions from data collected as part of the field trials/research. Maintain pesticide applicator's license and apply pesticides when necessary. Maintain non-commercial Class C driver's license. Will require frequent travel to field trials around Eastern Oregon.

Will require frequent communication/coordination with both the Project Leader and other wheat FRAs. 20%— Maintain, operate, and secure equipment associated with planting, maintaining and harvesting field trials plus equipment associated with seed processing. Maintain and order supplies as needed. 15%— Responsible for recruitment, hiring, managing, and terminating, if necessary, hourly workers as well as planning, assigning and approving work, under the general supervision of the Project Leader.

Will take initiative to recruit, mentor, and retain individuals from underrepresented populations. 10%— Assist in assembling data for reports, manuscripts, and Plant Variety Protection applications for cultivar or germplasm release. 5%— Keep records and provide necessary reports to Project Leader, including plans of work, and standard operating procedures. 5%— Represent the breeding program by making presentations at field days as well as grower, industry and regional meetings.

Develop and disseminate informational materials on variety releases, including updating the program website. 5%— Assist in training of graduate and undergraduate students who are conducting research in association with the breeding program. Participate in professional development opportunities. Serve on committees. Other duties as assigned.

What You Will Need - B.S. degree in agronomy, crop science, plant science, horticulture, agricultural science or a related field. Experience in operating farm-scale equipment. Experience in securing and hauling heavy farm equipment with trailers. Experience in commercial or research field crop management. Experience with computer spreadsheet and word processing programs. Experience with supervising others. A demonstrated ability to work independently and in groups.

Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have or be able to obtain an Oregon demonstration/research pesticide applicators' license and a non-commercial Class C driver's license within six months of employment and maintain both throughout period of employment. This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq.

Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent…