Posting Number:

PG193424EP

Internal Recruitment :

No

Working Title:

Unit Manager - Horticulture

Anticipated Hiring Range:

Commensurate with Experience ($53,853 - $55,698)

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm (additional hours required for special events)

Job Location:

Clayton, NC

Department :

Central Crops Research Station

About the Department:

Central Crops Research Station is one of eighteen agricultural research centers in the state of North Carolina. North Carolina State University owns the Central Crops Research Station with operational management through the Division of Research Stations. North Carolina State University and the Division of Research Stations establish the general operating procedures. The mission of the Central Crops Research Station is to provide resources, personnel, scientific expertise, and facilities to scientists conducting research in field crops, horticulture crops, swine, tobacco, and environmental areas. It is the responsibility of the staff to actively manage and maintain all projects and to develop long and short-term management schemes.

The research includes multi-discipline research projects, complex breeding programs, leaf and soil microbes, insect and disease control, irrigation, fertility, weed management, plasticulture, and pesticide application, tolerance, and efficacy. The station houses a maize seed lab, seed processing area and long term seed storage facility in addition to tobacco and sweet potato curing facilities. It functions as a teaching facility for both graduate and undergraduate students at NCSU providing crop field labs and animals specimens for graduate and undergraduate classes. The station hosts numerous demonstrations, workshops, field days, and instructional programs for the public each year.

Essential Job Duties:

This position will manage the horticulture unit acting as the research program manager for assigned projects, budget, staff, students, facilities, care and maintenance of plant material, conduct research projects, and public relations support for the research station. The manager will assess proposed project requirements for station and unit resources and evaluate long-term effects on both. This position will serve as a liaison between the project staff and the research station.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Plan, schedule and supervise the implementation of production practices for all horticulture crops.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide guidance, leadership, and training for staff development.
• Direct, and monitor employees’ activities and work assignments. (daily/weekly)
• Plan, schedule and assist with all tasks related to the establishment, maintenance, and disposition of horticulture plant material and assist in other units as needed.
• Assist research personnel with the implementation of treatments, collection, and recording of data.
• Work with various types of irrigation equipment including but not limited to drip and solid set.
• Assist station management with field assignments and crop rotation decisions.
• Ensure the safety of staff, project staff, and visitors.
• Assist with maintenance of equipment, grounds, buildings, field plots, and other tasks essential to the proper operation of the entire facility.

The validity of research data depends upon the quality of work in the unit manager’s position.

This position is located in Clayton, NC.

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Other Responsibilities:

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of general research experience OR
• An equivalent combination of training and experience

Other Required Qualifications:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. on a routine basis over extended periods of time, occasionally lift 75 lbs.
• Ability to operate farm machinery.
• Ability to read and follow pesticide labels and research protocols.
• Ability to collect and record data accurately.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Horticulture production, research, and supervisory experience.
• Experience with agricultural pesticides including an understanding of application methods and the ability to calibrate application equipment.
• Knowledge and understanding of pesticide modes of action, pesticide interaction concerns, and how soil affects herbicide selection and rate.
• Understanding of pesticide resistance concerns.
• Experience identifying plant pests and selecting treatment options.
• Experience with precision agriculture equipment and irrigation.
• A working knowledge of Word, Excel, and Farm Management software.

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

• A valid driver’s license is required for travel. NC driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire.
• Must obtain a North Carolina Public Pesticide Applicator’s license within 9 months of hire date.
• Must obtain a fumigant applicator certification within 9 months of hire date.
• Must obtain NCDA Forklift license within 9 months of hire as a condition of employment
• Licenses must be maintained as a condition of employment

Valid NC Driver's License required:

Yes

Commercial Driver's License required:

Yes

Job Open Date:

05/30/2024

Anticipated Close Date:

Open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please attach a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for at least three professional references.

Position Number:

00042410

Position Type:

EHRA Non-Faculty

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week):

1.00

Appointment:

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather:

Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events:

Mandatory - Fire/Explosions, Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Transportation Accidents, Mandatory - Evacuations/Natural Hazards, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure, Mandatory - Threats of Violence/Terrorism/Interpersonal Emergencies

Department ID:

115003 - Central Crops Research Station

AA/EEO:

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.