Research Specialist Lead

School of Natural Resources

The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry (UMCA) is seeking a skilled and motivated Research Specialist Lead to oversee perennial crop research, germplasm collections, and demonstration plantings at the MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Farm.

• Performs a variety of assignments and analyses that impact the Research function.
• Analyzes and interprets results of studies, reports, and other data sources to aid in various research efforts.
• Solves problems in straightforward situations.
• Analyzes potential solutions using technical experience, judgment and precedent, providing input and recommendations.
• Impacts the quality of own work and the work of others on the team, ensuring efficient workflows, productivity, compliance, etc.
• Explains complex information to others in a manner that is understandable.

• Lead horticultural and agronomic management of UMCA perennial research, germplasm, production, and demonstration plantings at the MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Farm. In collaboration with faculty and research personnel, develop and implement management approaches for legacy orchards and new production-oriented research plots, including establishment, fertility, weed management, pest and disease management, irrigation, pruning and training, orchard-floor management, harvest, and related cultural practices. Management will emphasize maintaining the health and integrity of germplasm resources, promoting vigorous growth of research plantings, and enhancing the productivity and demonstration value of legacy plantings.
• Coordinate UMCA farm operations and provide day-to-day leadership and oversight for UMCA staff working at the research farm. Establish work priorities and coordinate personnel, equipment, materials, and seasonal activities across UMCA plantings. Provide technical guidance regarding field operations, crop handling and storage, equipment use and management, orchard and research-plot maintenance, and other farm processes. Coordinate closely with the Research Specialist Lead responsible for breeding-plot management and provide overall guidance regarding farm-wide priorities and allocation of shared resources.
• Evaluate plant performance and existing management practices and recommend and implement improvements. Use field observations, research objectives, technical experience, and available data to identify management limitations and develop approaches that improve plant establishment, growth, health, productivity, operational efficiency, and management cost-benefit. Work collaboratively with faculty and research staff to evaluate and update management practices while protecting experimental integrity and long-term research resources.
• Support research, breeding, demonstration, and commercial-scale production activities. Collaborate with faculty and research personnel in planning and establishing new perennial research plantings and provide horticultural and operational input into management of breeding populations and replicated trials. Help ensure that field operations support research objectives and maintain plant identity and experimental integrity. Improve the productivity and management of appropriate legacy plantings to support commercial demonstration, outreach, crop utilization, and program revenue.
• Provide technical and operational leadership for harvest, postharvest, equipment, and research-farm activities. Coordinate or provide guidance for harvest logistics, crop handling and storage, equipment selection and use, maintenance priorities, and seasonal farm workflows. Train and provide technical direction to staff, students, temporary employees, and other personnel participating in UMCA field activities and promote safe, efficient, and consistent research-farm practices.

Works within guidelines and policies, noting improvements and efficiencies to supervisor/manager. Works collaboratively with faculty and program leadership to establish research and management objectives and exercises independent technical judgment in planning and implementing day-to-day horticultural and farm-management activities.

Provides technical and operational guidance to UMCA personnel working at the MU Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Farm. Coordinates work priorities and activities of staff, students, temporary employees, and other personnel assigned to UMCA farm operations. Serves as the immediate supervisor for designated UMCA farm staff, including the Research Specialist Lead - Perennial Crop Breeding & Research Plots, as assigned by program leadership.

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

A Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Bachelor's degree in horticulture, plant science, agronomy, agroforestry, forestry, crop science, or a related field.

Experience managing perennial horticultural crops, orchards, agroforestry systems, research plantings, or comparable agricultural operations.

Demonstrated experience developing and implementing horticultural management programs involving multiple aspects of perennial crop production, such as plant establishment, fertility, vegetation management, irrigation, pruning, pest and disease management, harvest, and postharvest handling.

Experience coordinating agricultural personnel, seasonal work activities, equipment, and multiple concurrent field operations.

Experience with agricultural research, germplasm collections, perennial crop breeding programs, or management of replicated field experiments is preferred.

Experience operating and coordinating use of agricultural equipment and implementing safe and efficient field operations.

• Possesses expanded conceptual knowledge of the Research function and broadens capabilities.
• Possesses knowledge of best practices within research and applies analytical knowledge developed from work experience.
• Knowledge of perennial crop and orchard management principles and ability to diagnose plant-management problems and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Ability to translate research and production objectives into practical field-management plans.
• Ability to organize personnel, equipment, and seasonal operations across multiple research and production plantings.
• Ability to evaluate management practices in terms of plant performance, research value, labor requirements, operational efficiency, and cost.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with faculty, research staff, farm personnel, students, and external stakeholders.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $53,976 - $68,000 per year

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Salary Plan: Grade GGS 010

University Title: RESEARCH SPECIALIST LEAD

To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

MU application

Resume/CV

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.