Research Specialist

October 11, 2024

University of Idaho


Position Details
Position Information

Posting Number SP003583P
Position Title Research Specialist
Location Moscow
Division/College Col of Agricultural & Life Sciences
Department Plant Sciences
FLSA Status Overtime Eligible
Employee Category Classified
Pay Range Commensurate with Experience
Type of Appointment Fiscal Year
FTE 1.0
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Position Overview The Research Specialist will assist the Principal Investigator (PI) with the development of new, improved winter wheat cultivars. The position will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of field, greenhouse, and seed house aspects of the wheat breeding program. This will include assisting the PI to plan and conduct field and greenhouse trials, operation of small plot equipment, collecting data, and training and supervision of hourly employees.
Unit Overview The Department of Plant Sciences works to advance research and address many local, regional and global challenges such as breeding plants to tolerate drought-stress, developing sustainable cropping practices and conserving plant species for future generations. Our department prepares students for careers in the rapidly changing fields of applied and basic plant sciences and in modern production agriculture.
Funding This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. Uncertain
Internal Posting?

Position Responsibilities

Key Accountability Field Experiments and Seed Processing:
Job Duties
  • Applying pesticides on field trials using tractor mounted sprayers, backpack sprayers or handheld sprayers and applying seed treatments with small batch seed treating equipment.
  • Traveling to regional field trial sites with plot equipment.
  • Operating small plot equipment which includes tractors, planters, plot combines, stationary threshers, and wheat binder.
  • Operating small seed cleaning equipment and other equipment associated with wheat breeding program.
  • Contacting and coordinating with grower-cooperators to arrange field trial sites.
  • Post-harvest seed processing.
  • Making field observations and taking notes.
  • Contributing to supervising hourly workers.
Key Accountability Greenhouse Experiments:
Job Duties
  • Preparing pots, flats and seeds for planting.
  • Hand planting seeds and transplanting seedlings.
  • Watering and general care of greenhouse experiments.
  • Keeping records and observation notes.
  • Assisting with developing new wheat lines.
  • Hand harvesting and processing of greenhouse produced seeds.
  • Training hourly employees working in greenhouse
Key Accountability Team Efforts:
Job Duties
  • Training hourly employees in the operation and safe use of all equipment used.
  • Ordering supplies, chemicals and equipment necessary for the program.
  • Maintaining stocks of supplies and equipment.
  • Hiring hourly summer employees.
  • Entering data in computer.

Position Qualifications

Required Experience
  • Following pre-established procedures or protocols.
  • Collecting and reviewing scientific data.
  • Keeping complete and accurate records.
  • Working in a team environment.
Required Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, plant sciences, crop sciences, soil sciences, or related field.
Required Licensures, Certifications or other
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass the driving background check.
  • Have an Idaho private or professional pesticide applicator license with appropriate endorsements needed to apply Herbicides, Insecticides and Seed Treatments or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule, extra hours, and/or weekends when workload dictates.
  • Willingness to travel to different trial locations and travel overnight when required.
Additional Preferred
  • Two years of production agriculture or agricultural research experience.
  • Experience operating and ability to setup, adjust and use research-scale equipment or farm equipment.
  • Ability to safely operate vehicles towing loaded trailers.
  • Ability to communicate with growers or cooperators to arrange field trial sites.
  • Experience using computers and software for email and data entry, such as Outlook, Excel and Word.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with others to achieve the best possible outcome of work-related tasks and goals.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to carry, lift and/or otherwise move heavy materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Working Conditions
  • Will be required to work in adverse environmental conditions (dusty, hot, cold, rainy).
  • Maybe required to work with toxic, volatile, or corrosive chemicals.
Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application

Posting Information

Posting Date 09/08/2022
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants First consideration date for receipt of applications is October 2, 2022.
IMPORTANT: To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” must address EACH of the required qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume WILL NOT be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.
In addition to the online application and requested materials, applicants will need to have two (2) current reference letters sent directly by the individual providing the reference to the address or email listed below:
Dr. Kurtis Schroeder
Department of Plant Sciences
University of Idaho
875 Perimeter Drive MS 2333
Moscow, ID 83844-2333
[email protected]
Applicant Resources https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources
Background Check Statement Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement The University of Idaho (U of I) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, U of I does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, genetic information or status as any protected veteran or military status in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions and educational programs.

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