Field Researcher III

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Field Researcher III
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	SEBS-Plant Biology
Overview	The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Field Researcher III for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Under the guidance and direction of the faculty leader, performs, trains, and supervises others to carry out a variety of field, greenhouse, laboratory, and data analysis duties required to operate a highly efficient turfgrass breeding program. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Participates in the planning, establishment and maintenance of greenhouse/growth chamber/ laboratory experiments including field experiments of turf plots, spaced-plant nurseries, breeder blocks, and tiller plots. This involves identification of breeding objectives, weed and pest control, fertilization, irrigation, mowing schedules and other maintenance requirements for at least 10 different turfgrass species. Supervises, trains and assigns duties to other salaried and hourly employees and facilitates projects to coordinate data collection, design, develop and carry out experiments for many different breeding objectives. Participates in the coordination and organization of the effective evaluation of all turf plots, other research trials and spaced plants. Maintains breeding records, organizes, summarizes and analyzes the data collected each year and prepares for publication which involves knowledge and familiarity with cloud based data storage and computers. Coordinates breeding objectives with graduate students experiments, for efficient use of field space and labor for completing objectives for each. Coordinates, prepares, and applies inoculum for disease resistance evaluations and is involved with data collection and management practices necessary for enhanced disease development. The individual will also prepare field screening experiments for salinity, drought, heat and other stress important for cultivar development. Carries out plant propagation and selection of plants in the greenhouse and is responsible for the management of plant material for at least 10 turfgrass species. Participates and is responsible for coordinating the requisition of all supplies, fertilizers, lime, pesticides, laboratory chemicals and supplies for the project. Coordinates equipment use, preventative maintenance and repairs. Has a good knowledge of all equipment in the breeding project and the ability to train personnel for its safe operation. Participates in field days, conferences, demonstrations, literature searches and visitor tours. Communicates with industry partners and coordinates the transport of germplasm and data to industry partners.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	04
Position Salary	Min - $58,302 to Max - $67,482 (Contingent Upon Experience)
Annual Minimum Salary	57998.000
Annual Mid Range Salary	73412.500
Annual Maximum Salary	88827.000
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview .
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Breeding or Plant Science with 2 years’ experience working with either turfgrass in the field, laboratory and greenhouse or in the field of plant breeding. Requires extensive experience managing and training hourly workers with little or no turf management experience.
Certifications/Licenses	Will be required to have a valid NJ DEP Pesticide Applicator’s License (Category 3B). Requires a valid driver license and two years driving experience. Must successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Must be organized, flexible and capable of carrying out several tasks or projects at the same time and have the ability to reorganize tasks depending on weather, labor schedules and other resources. Must have good interpersonal communication skills, both oral and written and must be familiar and comfortable with communicating through email, Zoom, Teams etc. Communication with staff, faculty, students and seed company cooperators is required. Must have experience in proper experimental design. Must have knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and techniques including sterile techniques, pathogen isolation. Must have knowledge of computer applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and file sharing drives such as One Drive, Box, Google etc. Must be familiar with SAS and/or R and proper data/statistical analysis of experiments. Must have familiarity with farm/turf equipment utilized in turfgrass research. Required to ensure compliance with REHS, DEP and EPA safety regulations and training requirements concerning storage and handling of pesticides and fertilizer.
Preferred Qualifications	Master’s degree in Plant Breeding or Plant Science or related field is preferred. Extensive experience in carrying out turfgrass breeding and evaluation of turf trials and spaced-plant nurseries is also preferred. Plant breeding, selection and evaluation experience preferred. It is preferred that the candidate be able to identify: 1) the turfgrass species evaluated in the breeding project, 2) turfgrass pathogens and stresses attaching turfgrasses, and 3) successful control strategies to alleviate stresses. Knowledge of remote sensing, drones and/or digital image analysis preferred, but not required.
Equipment Utilized	Word, Excel, SAS (or other statistical analysis software), OneDrive.
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and be able to work under adverse (hot, cold, inclement) conditions.
Special Conditions	This field researcher is required to work until the job is completed and/or work flexible hours including evening or weekends, as required to complete the breeding projects and establishment of turf trials in a timely manner.

Posting Details

Posting Number	24ST0639
Posting Open Date	03/15/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Off Campus
City	Freehold
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

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