Agricultural Specialist II – Horticulture

Position Title:
Agricultural Specialist II – Horticulture

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Special Required Qualifications
Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Sciences or related disciplines. 
Experience in commercial fruit and vegetable production.
Experience in horticulture plot research.
Experience with horticulture machinery and equipment used for planting and harvesting.
Supervisory experience. 
Commercial pesticide applicators certification.

Job Description:

This position works at the Horticulture Research Station and Hinds Memorial Irrigation Farm to conduct field research experiments related to vegetable and fruit crop production.  The Horticulture Research Station supports the faculty, staff and students at ISU to enable their field research experiments. 

This position will be responsible for interfacing and facilitating research that scientists on campus conduct at the Horticulture Research Station.  The position ensures that research is executed according to the scientists’ protocols in a timely and effective manner.  Duties will include field level research, including working with and maintaining agriculture machinery and equipment for research scale plots for planting, crop management and harvest.  The incumbent will also manage field experiments, including appropriate mechanical and chemical measures, to obtain high quality experimental data, data collection, data management and analysis using handheld devices and commercial software.    The incumbent will train, mentor, and supervise student interns in fruit and vegetable production for ISU community, campus dining, and Reiman Gardens.  The incumbent will be expected to modify procedures to meet specific research experiment needs and train, supervise staff and students on the use of the equipment. 

The successful candidate will have excellent written and interpersonal communication skills to assist in report preparation and to effectively interact with and inform faculty, staff, graduate students, undergraduate student employees, and collaborators.  The candidate will be able to direct and guide employees and cooperators, be detailed-oriented, and manage multiple ongoing tasks.  The candidate will also be self-motivated and capable of working independently when required.  All staff members must interact collegially and professionally and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethics. 

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. 

Level Guidelines
• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems
• Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests
• May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff
• May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:
Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS806

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:
March 5, 2024

Posting Close Date:
March 17, 2024

Job Requisition Number:
R14166