Description

Position Description

Performs skilled mechanical and/or analytical duties in the coordination and completion of projects. Work is performed under general guidelines using established procedures and evaluated on results obtained. May supervise subordinate employees.

About the Department and/or College

The Department of Plant and Soil Science is a comprehensive academic unit conducting research and offering coursework and programs in several areas of plant and soil science. We have 34 full-time faculty members and a student body consisting of approximately 170 undergraduate and 120 graduate students. Many of these students are enrolled in our distance education program. B.S. level degrees are offered in Horticulture and Turfgrass Science and Environmental Crop and Soil Science. M.S. degrees are offered in Plant and Soil Science and Horticulture with a Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Science including, among other tracks, a concentration in Fibers and Biopolymers. Additionally, we offer four certificate programs. The department is research-intensive while fostering strong teaching expectations and commitments. Students in the department are educated to meet the challenge of using soil, water, and plant resources for sustainable production and post-harvest benefits.

Major/Essential Functions

The Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas seeks candidates for a Technician III position. This will be a full-time position (with benefits) located in Lubbock within the Department of Plant and Soil Science and duties will consist of the following:

• General management and maintenance of research vineyard
• Operation of vineyard equipment (hand tools, tractor, mechanized farm equipment, etc.)
• Scout vineyard for pests (insects, diseases, weeds) and other problems
• Pesticide spraying
• Irrigation scheduling
• Maintenance of vineyard equipment and irrigation system
• Record keeping of vineyard management (harvest data collection, irrigation volume, etc.)
• General management and maintenance of Viticulture and Enology Research Laboratory
• Operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Record keeping for all aspects of laboratory and vineyard operation
• Conduct field and laboratory experiments under direction of project leader, including preparation and planning, establishment of experimental treatments, data collection, and data compilation
• Preparation of chemical reagents and standards
• Purchase vineyard and laboratory supplies
• Travel to research / experiment locations within Texas
• Interact and communicate with growers
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

High school or equivalent and four years experience. Additional job related education may substitute for required experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven work ethic
• Valid driver's license
• Capability to lift and carry objects over 50 pounds
• Attention to detail
• Eagerness to learn
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Computer literate (proficiency with Microsoft and other software)
• Texas Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicators License (or receive a license within six months post-hire)
• Applicant must have excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, the ability to effectively communicate in English, and be authorized for employment within the United States.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should supply the names and contact information of two (2) individuals who may be contacted for letters of reference. Questions should be addressed to:

Dr. Thayne Montague
Department of Plant and Soil Science
Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409
Phone (806) 834-7311
email: thayne.montague@ttu.edu

Pay Statement

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. For additional information, please reference the institutional pay plan by visiting www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/payplan.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.