Research Scientist Associate

Department Contact: Rebecca Martinez, , rbanegas

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Position Title: Research Scientist Associate

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317700-AG SCIENCE CTR AT FARMINGTON

Location: NMSU satellite location, Ag Science Center at Farmington, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard

Work Schedule:

Standard (M-F, 8-5)

Responsible for technical support of the Ag Science Center at Farmington integrated agronomy/horticulture/soils/controlled environment program.

Duties include:

• Care for greenhouse plants, specialty horticultural crops, agronomic field crops, and integrated cropping systems including transitional organic fields, center pivots, agricultural photovoltaics, hydroponics, and other assigned tasks.
• Work outdoors to maintain research plots, performing pruning, plant propagation, small-plot weeding, irrigation monitoring, and record keeping.
• Obtain a New Mexico Pesticide Applicator’s license and apply appropriate agricultural practices as prescribed.

Required

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s Degree + 7 years of relevant experience, or
• Bachelor’s Degree + 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with computer applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), data management, basic analysis, and ability to operate or learn farm equipment and research tools including sensors and data loggers. Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines in a diverse, fast‑paced research setting. Work experience in the Navajo Nation or tribal communities is a plus.

New Mexico Pesticide Applicator’s license required.

Environment: Moderate exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity; handling average‑weight objects up to 25 pounds; standing and walking for more than four hours per day. Workplace involves some exposure to hazards requiring basic safety precautions.

New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non‑merit factor.