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

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The NMSU-ASC Farmington is uniquely situated on the sovereign Navajo Nation, 6 miles south of Farmington, NM, and is committed to regional cultural values. The mission of the New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington is to conduct research, demonstration, and educational programs that will best fill the needs of the agricultural community of San Juan County and the Navajo Nation in particular, and the State of New Mexico, Four Corners Region, and United States in general. -1968 Charter. Its vision: "Building agricultural and community resilience with innovative science that respects regional cultural values in the Four Corners Region (Navajo Nation and beyond)." NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience working in Native American communities is a plus.

Position Details

Position Title: Research Scientist Associate

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317700-AG SCIENCE CTR AT FARMINGTON

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): Ag Science Center at Farmington, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with qualifications.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

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

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

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

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Job Duties and Responsibilities: Responsible for technical support of Ag Science Center at Farmington integrated agronomy/horticulture/soils/controlled environment program dealing with micro, sprinkler and drip irrigation. The incumbent will be expected to care for greenhouse plants, specialty horticultural crops, agronomic field crops and integrated cropping systems that include, transitional organic fields, center pivots, agricultural photovoltaics and hydroponics or other duties as assigned

The incumbent must be able to work out of doors, take care of research plots to include some detail work that will include pruning, plant propagation, small plot weeding, irrigation monitoring, and record keeping. Obtain a New Mexico Pesticide Applicators license and also apply appropriate agricultural practices as prescribed.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience: 
Associate's Degree + 7 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 5 years of relevant experience.

Equivalent Qualifications: 

Preferred Qualifications: 
Experience with computer applications (for example, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), data management, and basic analysis, ability to operate or ability to learn farm equipment and associated research tools that include sensors and data loggers. Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines in a diverse, fast-paced research setting. Work experience in the Navajo Nation or tribal communities is a plus.

Special Certification/Licensure: 

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.