Field Researcher IV

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.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Field Researcher IV for the Department of Plant Biology. Under the guidance and direction of the faculty leader, this position performs, trains, and supervises others to carry out a variety of field, greenhouse, laboratory, and data processing duties required to operate a highly efficient turfgrass breeding program.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:
• Participates in the planning, establishment, propagation, selection and maintenance of greenhouse/growth chamber/ laboratory experiments including field experiments of turf plots, spaced-plant nurseries, breeder blocks, and tiller plots.
• Responsible for weed and pest control, fertilization, irrigation, mowing schedules and other maintenance requirements.
• Supervises, trains, and assigns duties to hourly help to facilitate an efficient and productive breeding program.
• Participates in the requisition of all supplies, fertilizers, lime, pesticides, laboratory chemicals, and supplies for the project.
• Coordinates equipment use, preventative maintenance, and repairs.
• Participates in the coordination and organization of the effective evaluation of all turf plots, other research trials, and spaced plants.
• Organizes, analyzes, summarizes, and prepares data for publication annually, using excel and cloud based databases.
• Coordinates, prepares, and applies inoculum for disease resistance evaluations and is involved with data collection and management practices necessary for enhanced disease development.
• Coordinates and organizes seed processing and export and import procedures.
• Participates in field days, conferences, demonstrations, literature searches, visitor tours, and other duties as requested.

Information about the benefits provided to Rutgers employees can be found at: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview

•Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Horticulture or Plant Science; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

• Ability to properly identify the turfgrass species evaluated in the breeding projects, turfgrass pathogens and stresses attacking turfgrasses, and successful control strategies to alleviate stresses.
• 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.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in proper experimental design and willing to learn and use of SAS software for experimental data analysis.
• Knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and practices including sterile techniques, pathogen isolation, and analysis for absence or presence of fungal endophyte.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Use of personal vehicle in order to travel for business demands; a valid driver’s license would be required for this position.
• Two years driving experience.

• Knowledge of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, basic statistics, genetics, ecology, and plant pathology.

• Must have familiarity with farm/turf equipment utilized in turfgrass research.

• Ability to lift 80 lbs. and endure strenuous activities in frequently adverse conditions.

• Will be required to obtain a valid NJ DEP Pesticide Applicator’s License (Category 3B) and a New Jersey PROFACT Fertilization Certificate.
• Must successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
• Clean Driving Record

On and off Campus: Cook Campus (Hort Farm II and Greenhouse) and Adelphia (Freehold) Research Farm