Position Summary
This position provides technical support for the Potato Outreach Program; responsibilities include overseeing the carrying out of field and laboratory analyses and field management of potato research including outreach activities as required; field work includes oversight in the management of crops, preparation of seed, planting and harvest of potatoes, managing cover crops and establishing plot plans for trials,collection and management of field trial data, including statistical analysis, collection of field samples; assisting in the management of operations at potato demonstration storages including oversight of maintenance, storage treatments, and tuber sampling; collection and analysis of well logger data; overseeing the collection and assembly of annual research report; overseeing website and presentation management, including generating tables, graphs, posters and industry relevant correspondence. This position is physically demanding and requires periods of overtime and in-state over-the-road travel exceeding 25,000 miles annually. Employee must be able to operate a vehicle with a gross combined vehicle weight rating under 26,000 pounds. Minimum number of overnights required annually.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Ecology, Horticulture, Agronomy, Soil Science, Biology, Natural Resources or a related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in a laboratory carrying out plant biology and soil science research; experience with statistical analysis; experience with database, word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. A Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator's license is required within one month of hire.

Desired Qualifications
Master's degree in ecology, horticulture, agronomy, soil science, biology, natural resources or a related field. Familiarity with grant writing and the grant submission process. Video and photography experience capturing research subject matter. Experience in operating unmanned aerial vehicles used to capture plot data. Experience in the production and storage of potatoes. Experience with Microsoft Office. Effective communication skills, both written and oral; good organizational skills; strong attention to detail. Proficiency in operating, maintaining, and transporting farm equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Application Materials
To apply, please submit cover letter and current resume, Attn: Christopher Long, via careers.msu.edu.

Special Instructions
Submit electronic application at careers.msu.edu.

Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date
This is an off-dated position funded until June 30, 2018 with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Summary of Physical Demands
Lifting and carrying bagged potatoes weighing 25-75 pounds.

Summary of Health Risks
Drive a university vehicle that does not require a commercial driver's license but does require medical

certification; Operate a forktruck, tractor, or top-running overhead crane; Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).

Bidding eligibility ends on 8/22/17 at 11:55 PM.

Advertised: Aug 16, 2017 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 29, 2017 Eastern Daylight Time


To apply please click here!