CREC Precision Agriculture Specialist

Description & Details: The precision agriculture specialist position is a joint appointment with 60% research and 40% Extension responsibilities.
Research responsibilities include being the lead investigator for developing, implementing, and reporting the outcomes of projects focused on the precision agriculture research program at the Center.
Extension responsibilities include developing an innovative Extension program that provides needs assessment, educational program planning and development, delivery of precision agriculture educational material, and program evaluation.
The scope of projects addressed within the precision agricultural program remain flexible to allow one to respond to the changes in technologies that are occurring in this discipline.
The precision agriculture program will involve investigations that include unmanned aerial systems, soil and crop variability mapping to support variable rate application technologies, and the development of decision support aids.
The specialist actively participates in the development and implementation of research projects that investigate this scope of work and then provides educational outreach.
This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities.
• Provide leadership for the development and implementation of research projects and Extension programs that address precision agriculture practices.
• Be a member of a statewide Extension team responsible for providing leadership to create and deliver innovative learning experiences that empower North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other NDSU, regional and national project leaders on joint research.
• Prepare proposals for submission to national, state, and industry RFPs to compete successfully for extramural funding to assist in maintaining program focus.
• Provide analysis, interpretation and report upon outcomes of research program.
• Develop and disseminate current research-based educational materials and programming.
• Interact closely with producers, Extension agents and specialists, regulatory agencies, crop commodity organizations, and livestock organizations.
• Develop and report upon the department’s federal project (CRIS) for precision agriculture.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8 a.
m.
to 5 p.
m.
with additional hours during peak seasons Advertised Salary: $73,000 to $87,000 annually Minimum Qualifications: • PhD in a precision agriculture, agronomy, soil science, bio-systems engineering or closely related field • Vision and ability to lead a diverse, relevant and productive research and educational program.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain strong collaborations.
• Working knowledge of crop production systems, field crops and agricultural equipment.
• Documented experience in data handling, coding, and analysis.
• Strong interpersonal and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Experience and understanding of Extension and outreach programming.
Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with use and analysis of geospatial and remote sensing data.
• Experience with operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems.
• Experience with ARC Map, ARC GIS Pro, and/or other GIS software.
• Experience with field crops and production systems of the Great Plains.
• Documented experience preparing research proposals and obtaining extramural funding.
Applicant Materials Required: • Cover letter • Curriculum vitae • A one-page outreach and Extension plan of action • Three letters of reference Screening will begin 1/8/24 Benefits: NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university – with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire.
Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay.
Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.
About Us: The Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC) is one of seven NDSU Research Extension Centers and is located approximately 140 miles from the North Dakota State University campus at Fargo.
The CREC has four scientists and four area extension specialist positions in the areas of agronomy, plant pathology, nutrient management and animal science.
A professional and technical staff of 14 supports the CREC and NDSU based programs.
The general responsibilities of the CREC include research and extension projects that address dryland and irrigated crop production, plant pathology, the soil resource, cropping/tillage systems, crop pest management, beef nutrition and beef production systems, nutrient/livestock management, crop and livestock integration, and foundation seedstocks production.
The Carrington Research Extension Center is located in the drift prairie region of North Dakota and conducts research and educational programs for a significant part of North Dakota.
This position is located at the Carrington Research Extension Center near Carrington, North Dakota.
Carrington is a thriving rural community of approximately 2,100 people in a widely diversified agricultural production region of east central North Dakota.
Carrington has progressive schools (K-12), modern medical services (clinic and hospital), and many recreation opportunities.
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university.
We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.
NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country.
NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border.
Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle.
The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live.
No Smoking Notice: As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.
D.
C.
C.
§ 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement: North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.
Veteran’s Preference Notice: This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran’s Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.
hr@ndsu.
edu.
Land Acknowledgement We collectively acknowledge that NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands.
We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations.
We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region.
(see www.
ndsu.
edu/inclusioncouncil/native_american_initiatives/).