Position Title: Mgr,Lab Research

Employee Classification: Mgr,Lab Research

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317700-AG SCIENCE CTR AT FARMINGTON

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Remote Locations

Offsite Location (if applicable): Farmington, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $53,166

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The Agricultural Science Center in Farmington invites you to apply for the position of Mgr, Lab Research. The vision of the center is building agricultural and community resilience with innovative science that respects regional cultural values in the Four Corners Region (Navajo Nation and beyond). The position is focused on horticultural activities, including greenhouse management.

Classification Summary:
Manages and leads the integrated support activities for a scientific research laboratory or program devoted to the execution of a range of related, specialized, and innovative research initiatives of significant scientific stature. Coordinates collaborative research projects; develops research concepts and protocols; guides, leads and/or oversees the work of research staff; and establishes and manages research technology and facilities; develop and administers program budgets and funding.

Classification Standard Duties:
Leads, coordinates and establishes a range of collaborative laboratory and/or field research projects involving other university departments and external research entities. Designs and implements new research concepts, protocols, and procedures within field of professional specialty, applying diversified knowledge of relevant scientific principles, practices, and methods.Develops and administers program budgets and funding, and oversees the day-to-day administration of the unit.Maintains current knowledge of technological developments and trends in area of specialty; identifies current and future technology needs, and introduces and establishes innovative technology to directly support on-going research activities. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs, as appropriate to the specific position; prepares manuscripts for publication; presents research results to scientific conferences and other groups. Provides supervision, and leadership to technical staff engaged in the execution of research protocol and in the operation of scientific research equipment and technology. Provides technical expertise, consultation, and leadership to scientific professionals and collaborators within area of specialty. Prepares grant proposals and manages contracts and grants for various projects. Participates in the department's financial planning; coordinates the preparation of operating budgets and projections, and monitors and controls expenditures against budget. Oversees and coordinates the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the program's equipment, instrumentation, and facilities; ensures compliance with environmental, safety, and infection control regulations and standards. Participates in development, implementation and maintenance of policies, objectives, short-and long-range planning; develops and implements projects and programs to assist in accomplishment of established goals. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Education- Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Experience- Five (5) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.
Equivalency- None
Certifications/License-
Departmental Requirements-
Special Requirements-

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge and understanding of principles, procedures, regulations, and standards applicable to the job. Understanding of the University's mission, vision and goals.

SKILLS: short- and long-term planning; problem analysis and resolution; report preparation and presentation; interpersonal and organizational communication, both oral and written.

ABILITIES: Develop and maintain effective working relationships; maintain accurate and orderly records; use independent judgment and initiative; organize and direct activities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Develops standard operating procedures and helps PI manage lab, field, and greenhouse projects for horticultural related projects at the ASC Farmington and its service area (https://farmingtonsc.nmsu.edu/). Examples include Integrated greenhouse and field production utilizing off-grid/micro-grid agricultural photovoltaics, innovative research/training and season extension system (e.g. hoop houses), enhancing existing horticultural research and outreach projects (including vineyard, orchard, xeriscape research garden, conservation plantings, and school garden research projects). Enhancing existing arboretum and beautification around buildings.

Assists in budget management and administrative practices related to funded horticultural projects.

Maintains current knowledge on greenhouse, horticultural field and lab practices.

Collects data and helps with data interpretation as appropriate.

Helps with report writing including technical and outreach circulars, peer reviewed manuscripts, institutional review board reports and annual reports.

Supervises interns and provides guidance to graduate students.

Helps prepare grant submissions as necessary.

Oversees the ASC Farmington greenhouse and surrounding horticultural plots and associated equipment.

Ensures compliance with any regulations regarding plant protection, phytosanitation, pesticide application (if any) and assists in certified organic transitions, paperwork, and inspection compliance related to certified organic horticultural plots and greenhouse spaces. Assists in maintaining compliance of any institutional review board protocols with NMSU and the Navajo Nation.

Participates in weekly staff planning meetings for development and implementation of weekly activities in cooperation with the Farm Manager.

Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Background in horticulture and ability to maintain horticultural plots at the highest level of quality. Excellent communication and customer service skills.

Special Requirements of the Position
Ability to obtain New Mexico Pesticide Applicators license or other licenses as needed.
Appreciation for work out-of-doors.

Department Contact:  Rebecca Martinez, (575) 646-3125, rbanegas@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.