Agricultural Research Farm Specialist

Job Title:

Agricultural Research Farm Specialist

Job Description:

The Purdue Ag Center is seeking a Agricultural Research Farm Specialist. In this role, you will be responsible for collection, analysis and maintenance of digital data at the Southeast Purdue Agricultural Center (SEPAC) . You will utilize unmanned aerial systems to collect and process imagery, develop and analyze maps to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests or weather, collect information about soil attributes or yield data using data recorders and basic geographic information systems (GIS), and document and maintain research records.

In addition, you will compile and analyze geospatial data to determine research implications of factors such as soil quality, terrain, field productivity, fertilizers and weather conditions, program research equipment such as variable-rate planting equipment or pesticide applicators based on input from crop scouting and analysis of field condition variability as well as install, calibrate and maintain sensors, mechanical controls, or computer settings.

• Overseeing, troubleshooting and resolving computer related problems/conflicts on departmental computers and maintain precision electronic equipment
• Working with technical support personnel from the University or private industry as necessary
• Managing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data from implements and software
• Generating and retrieving georeferenced data for machine control in research operations, uploading telemetries to cloud software
• Continued advancement and utilization of unmanned aerial systems for application and imaging purposes related to research
• Serving as initial contact for computer/ ag monitor related questions by staff
• Utilizing hand-held computers for in-field data collection; assisting staff in data collection
• Operating and servicing data loggers and sensors for automatic research data collection equipment
• Installing and servicing research monitoring equipment
• Seting-up, calibrating and operating research combine yield monitors
• Calibrating, seting-up, and operating research planters, drills, seeders, sprayers, fertilizer spreaders and drainage equipment
• Providing professional high-level support for Principal Investigators and others within the college of Agriculture
• Coordinating and implementing trials across the Purdue Ag Center system with minimal oversight and direction
• Relies on strong agronomic background and technologies to work with datasets
• Analyzing and summarizing data in a scientific manner with the intent of reviewing with PI and sharing results with researchers, extension and the general public.
• Scouting for pests and production problems in research fields
• Tabulating and recording data; reporting issues when threshold limits are identified
• Utilizing precision agriculture equipment to enhance field research efforts
• Presenting and educating others within and beyond the university
• Monitoring research fields for insect and disease activity
• Operating combines, other harvesting equipment, grain wagon, augers, trucks, other grain handling equipment, front-end loaders, backhoes, trenchers and other land improvement tools necessary to accommodate complex and unique research requests
• Providing research support for multiple departments and disciplines within the school of agriculture
• Performing routine research equipment maintenance
• Participating in various educational programs and tours as needed; may include transporting industry visitors and local stakeholders, identifying routes, conducting presentations, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

• Bachelors degree in Agricultural discipline
• 1 year of experience with modern production practices associated with agronomic crops
• In lieu of degree, an equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered. (Associate’s degree + 3 years of experience; HS/GED + 5 years of experience)
• Basic knowledge of the operation and integration of precision ag equipment and electronics
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems
• Must hold or be able to obtain Commercial Pesticide Applicator's license within one year
• Va…