Researcher 6 – Nutrient Management

Details

Posted: 28-Mar-24

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Salary: 54,467.46 - 152,485.17

Categories:

Research - Laboratory/Non-Laboratory
Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 360359

The Department of Soil, Water, and Climate in the College of Food Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota seek a motivated scientist to review literature and existing data to update best management practices for nitrogen use in Minnesota.  This position will provide leadership for assembling and updating nitrogen fertilizer best management practices (BMPs), establishing and coordinating nitrogen fertilizer demonstration sites, and assist with the promotion of nitrogen fertilizer BMPs and soil fertility information. The University of Minnesota (U of M) maintains research-based guidance on soil fertility and nitrogen fertilizer BMPs and the position will review current research and conduct data analysis to update Minnesotaâ™s nitrogen fertilizer BMPs and develop new BMPs. The position will also provide technical expertise for the development of alternative nitrogen management tools for reducing nitrogen losses from crop production.   
The position will work closely with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and other stakeholders on establishing demonstration sites in regions with vulnerable groundwater, focusing in areas where the Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Plan (NFMP) and Groundwater Protection Rule (GPR) are being implemented and local advisory teams are formed. Demonstrations will focus on practices to improve nitrogen use efficiency and refine nitrogen management practices.
The position will work directly with the U of M nutrient management team and also engage with faculty, Extension and communications staff at the U of M on educational programming and communications that addresses nitrogen management and practices to reduce nitrate leaching. This position will support the development of area-specific educational materials and presentations to support regional nitrogen management BMPs.
Key partners for this position:
- U of M researchers and Extension staff, including the nutrient management team, manure management team, Minnesota Office for Soil Health, and communication specialists.
- MDA statewide and regional staff.
- Farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals including crop advisors and fertilizer dealers.
The position will work under the oversight of soil fertility faculty within the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences. 
Job Duties: 
1. Review current literature and existing data related to N management in Minnesota (20%)

- Provide expertise on soil fertility, nitrogen fertilizer best management practices (BMPs), and alternative management tools for sustainable crop production that are protective of the environment, including groundwater. 
2. Update and revise existing nitrogen fertilizer and manure BMPS used in the state and manage field trials, data collection, and analysis  (60%)   

- Update statewide and regional nitrogen fertilizer BMPs based on information that has been developed by the U of M, the nutrient management and manure management teams, and the Nitrogen Fertilizer Education and Promotion Team (NFEPT). 
- Establish and manage regional soil fertility research and demonstration trials, including nitrogen rate trials that complement existing research and demonstration efforts by U of M and MDA.
- Analyze and interpret regional data from demonstration and research sites to update nitrogen fertilizer BMPs and provide guidance about practices that are protective of the environment, including groundwater in vulnerable groundwater areas.
- Develop technical resources that address nitrogen management practices appropriate for groundwater protection, support for demonstration sites, and targeted educational outreach. 
- Integrate with UMN researchers and extension staff and collaborate on existing or new soil fertility management projects, as relevant.
3. Attend and participate in meetings with state agencies and professional societies to report on results; meet with UMN researchers and extension specialists to discuss results; write quarterly reports and annual/final reports (20%)

- Communicate area-specific educational materials (including presentations, factsheets and handouts, videos, blogs and other media outlets) to promote nitrogen BMPs and sound nitrogen management in crop production. 
- Secure external funding for research and outreach and mentor students as relevant.

Required Qualifications: 

• PhD in soil science, agronomy, horticulture, environmental science or closely related field with a substantial research and publication record. 
• Excellent technical knowledge of nitrogen dynamics and loss pathways in crop production
• Comprehensive knowledge of Midwestern agricultural crop production 
• Strong organizational, leadership and problem-solving skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders 
• An ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment 
• Must possess and maintain an active and valid driverâ™s license 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Documented experience with agricultural research and data analysis 
• Experience managing field data monitoring data organization and management 
• Documented experience with producing educational communications and programming 
• Knowledge of environmental regulation, including Minnesotaâ™s Groundwater Protection Rule 
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical information to scientific and nonscientific audiences  
• A track record of publishing in peer reviewed journals

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