Agency

Department

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

We are seeking a Research Technician II, under general supervision, will provide technical support for breeding and research work to the professional staff. The technician will evaluate, select, and apply standard and advanced scientific techniques used in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory functions. Work performed by the technician will be evaluated based on the successful completion of tasks assigned.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts seed and land preparation and planting of research trials and breeding nurseries in the field and greenhouse, manages the crop growth throughout the season (e.g., irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide application), and harvests for yield or plant samples.
• Collects samples and measures data from research trials and breeding nurseries. Collects and summarizes crop management information of research trials and breeding nurseries.
• Conducts and records yield and quality (using grain analyzers) measurements. Compiles the data using Excel and Word. 
• Assists in making crosses for the development of new breeding populations. 
• Operates and maintains the functionality of field (e.g., tractors, planters, combine harvester, threshers, and backhoe) and lab technical equipment (e.g., rice dehullers, mills, and whiteness and moisture meters).
• Plants, harvest and takes data in off station yield trials.
• Trains and assigns tasks as necessary to student workers and co-workers under his supervision
• Travels to Puerto Rico for harvesting plant materials.
• Assists staff members in conducting major field experiments and consults in developing procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of related experience.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform responsibilities listed above, such as growing, managing, and harvesting rice and samples in field and greenhouse nurseries or experiments; data measurement and compilation; and operating and maintaining field and lab equipment.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications. This is an hourly paid position.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums 
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays  
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas  
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.