Research Specialist

UT Plateau Research and Education Center

Location: Crossville, TN

Purpose: Position provides professional support to agricultural research operations in the greenhouses and field plots at the Plateau Research and Education Center in Crossville, TN. The Research Specialist executes research project protocols, oversees projects at the center and supervises the work of agricultural students. This is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitates Agricultural Research Projects
  • Executes research projects under the general supervision of the Center Director
  • Records, organizes, and reports experimental and production data to the Director and Principal Investigator
  • Calculates and mixes specific water soluble fertilizers for greenhouse crops
  • Performs Integrated Pest Management Programs
  • Manages Biological Control Pest Management Systems as well as pesticide application
  • Maintains grading shed and grading line equipment
  • Works directly with faculty to facilitate research in support of the faculty member's program
• Analyzes results and reports results to the Principal Investigator and Center Director:
  • Record research data in a journal
  • Enter records into computerized system
  • Report data to Principal Investigator per work plans
• Coordinate, oversee, and direct the work of support personnel and/or students:
  • Coordinate work activities that pertain to research in entomology and plant sciences (fruits and vegetable in particular)
  • Ensure work safety compliance and perform training activities
• Oversee safety programs and worker protection standards:
  • Trainer for all employees for compliance to worker protection standards
  • Maintains Cat 10 and Cat 15 Pesticide Certification
  • Maintains audit compliance from State of Tennessee

Qualifications:

• Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree with two years of experience in a plant science related field
  • Advanced knowledge of greenhouse operations and plant science agricultural research studies
  • Advanced knowledge of laboratory methods including plant production
  • General knowledge of research methods, statistical compilation, and data analysis
  • Ability to lead, communicate, and work well with others
  • Ability to oversee and direct the work of support personnel and students
  • Ability to work under limited supervision
  • Competent in general computer skills
  • Ability to obtain/maintain pesticide application certification or obtain within 6 months
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Ability to lift 50 pounds and work in an outdoor environment
• Preferred:
  • Ability to operate specialized lab equipment such as pH and EC meters
  • Ability to scout and diagnose plant health and pests issues
  • Ability to calculate and mix blended fertilizers