Research Technician I

Summary: Texas A&M University-Kingsville is the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and is committed to student success and impactful research. The Research Technician I will perform technical support work for research and seed production activities, assisting with planting, irrigation, pest management, and data collection. Responsibilities: - Plants, waters, and maintains greenhouse operations - Assists in planting, maintaining, and harvesting research and production fields - Supports pest control, irrigation, and crop protection efforts - Operates vehicles and farm equipment including tractors, combines, tillage implements, sprayers, shredders, and planters - Performs research and crop production duties using farm machinery - Aids in the establishment of research plots and assists with field experiments - Collects samples and measurement data from field and greenhouse experiments - Implements and maintains data collection protocol and summarize field trails - Collects, compiles, and records field data - Performs basic computations and assists with reporting - Assists graduate students in data collection - Cleans seed, performs germination tests, and reports findings - Assist with laboratory and technical procedures - Operates seed cleaning equipment - Records and catalogs harvested seed - Performs labor intensive tasks in various weather conditions - Assists staff with major projects and experiments - Follows all policies, processes and procedures to ensure safe work practices Required Qualifications: - High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience - Two years of related experience in research support, agriculture, or similar field - Valid driver's license Preferred Qualifications: - Experience with native plant identification - Experience in agricultural or ecological research - Familiarity with greenhouse operations and seed handling - Basic data collection and analysis experience - Familiarity with technical equipment - Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others - Ability to follow detailed instructions and establish procedures - Basic knowledge of plant science, agriculture or ecology - Strong attention to detail and organizational skills Required Skills: Research support, Agriculture, Seed production, Plant care, Pest management, Irrigation, Greenhouse operations, Seed cleaning, Germination testing, Data collection, Data analysis, Operation of farm machinery, Native plant identification, follow detailed instructions, multitask, work cooperatively with others Benefits: Medical $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value)., Up to 83% of premium covered by the university: Employee and Spouse Employee and Children Employee and Family coverage, Dental & Vision, Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account, On-Campus Wellness Opportunities, Work Life Solutions, Tuition Benefits, Employee Tuition Assistance Program, Book scholarships, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Retirement, Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position, Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan, Employee Leave, 8+ hours of vacation per month, 8 hours of sick leave per month, 8 hours of paid Birthday leave, 12-15 paid holidays per year