TITLE: Research and Extension Assistant

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture

REPORTS TO: Associate Research Director

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The successful candidate in this position will support research and extension activities related to the 1890 Capacity Building Grant titled “Empowering Growers by Exploring Ethnic Vegetable Production and Market Opportunities for Crop Diversification in Kentucky.” The successful candidate will conduct research activities such as collecting data, preparing soil for planting, following experimental protocols for growing crops that includes activities such as planting/fertilizing/irrigating/spraying/data collection, harvesting and handling of crops, travelling to research and outreach sites, participating in making research and extension presentations/posters/videos/talking to farmers and other stakeholders.

The successful candidate will work closely with the principal investigator, staff, and students to conduct field and laboratory-based research.

• Field Research: Participate in on-farm research, either at KSU farms or elsewhere.
• Laboratory Work: Use laboratory equipment to find critical parameters related to soils and crop growth.
• Data Management: Collect and summarize research data.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The successful candidate will perform a variety of duties, including:

• conducting research activities such as collecting data
• preparing soil for planting
• following experimental protocols for growing crops that includes activities such as planting/fertilizing/irrigating/spraying/data collection, harvesting and handling of crops
• travelling to research and outreach sites
• participating in making research and extension presentations/posters/videos/talking to farmers and other stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: 

• Ability to carry out research using various fields and lab techniques as described above.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, farm crews, and students
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to work under deadlines independently as well as in a team setting.
• Ability to supervise students.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside the scope of the research project.
• Vegetable farming Experience necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility. 

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Ag/Related field

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work involves operating and maintaining research equipment and instrumentation.
• Hard labor may be needed during field work on the farm.
• May occasionally need to move light equipment and carry supplies, publications, and needed equipment for demonstration and training programs.
• Ability to carry objects over 50 pounds.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.