Job Summary

The Purdue Ag Center is seeking a Specialty Crops Systems Specialist. In this role, you will provide expertise and assistance to faculty and graduate students in the Departments of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Botany and Plant Pathology, Entomology, and others by implementing and maintaining applied field research trials related to fruit, vegetable and specialty crops at the Samuel Meigs Horticulture Facility located within the Throckmorton Purdue Ag Center.  Key responsibilities include: Interpreting research protocols, assisting with trial design and installation, managing field trials for a large variety of specialty crops, and creating and implementing disease and pest management practices.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Supervising support staff, temporary and all student hires related to Meigs
• Budget analysis oversight – scrutinizing Meigs balance sheet of expenses, cost savings measures, and income opportunities
• Providing professional high-level support for Principal Investigators and others within the college of Agriculture
• Communicating field trial protocols to ag center staff and work closely with lead principal investigators to achieve successful results
• Coordinating and implementing trials across the Purdue Ag Center system with minimal oversight and direction
• Utilizing knowledge of field plot research to manage overall production of fruit, vegetable and specialty crops being grown in the field trials
• Working closely with ag center Superintendent to maintain adequate supplies of crop inputs, pest management products, field trial supplies and equipment on an annual basis
• Providing field scouting, when requested, to monitor disease and pest management needs of each field trial.
• Providing timely updates to faculty utilizing the ag center for their research efforts
• Operating specialty crop equipment in a research capacity such as tractors, sprayers, transplanters, plastic layers and other tillage equipment
• Operating combines, trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, trenchers, planters, transplanters and other land improvement tools necessary to accommodate complex and unique research requests
• Engaging in professional develop opportunities to enhance knowledge of crop production techniques, field trial methods and technology advancements
• Participating in the planning and implementation of various field days, grower workshops and specialized field events at the ag center organized by lead researchers presenting data and plot results the growers in Indiana
• Assisting ag center staff in the overall operations of the ag center.  This includes rotation field crop production, and the maintenance of equipment, buildings and infrastructure of the ag center
• Performing routine research equipment maintenance
• Participating in various educational programs and tours as needed; may include transporting industry visitors and local stakeholders, identifying routes, conducting presentations, etc.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor of Science in Horticulture or related area
• 4 years of experience with unmanned aerial vehicles, including flight plans, operation, maintenance, FAA rules, and pesticide applications
• In lieu of degree, consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of related education and required experience (Associate's degree + 6 years of experience; HS/GED + 8 years of experience)
• Knowledge of both Midwest fruit and vegetable production methods and ability to apply and practice
• Knowledge in the design, management, and overall care of vegetable, fruit tree, and specialty crop field studies
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and problem solve
• Ability to develop and maintain continuous working relationships
• Basic computer skills, good communication, good organization, and ability to operate farm equipment
• Excellent time management with proven ability to handle multiple responsibilities
• Ability to assist with horticultural extension outreach programs
• Ability to work extended seasonal hours beyond 40 hours per week as needed
• Commercial pesticide applicator license is obtained within 12 months of employment
• A drone license 107 for flying and a drone license 137 aerial applicators license should also be obtained within 12 months of employment
• Successful applicant must submit to MVR report

What We'd Like You to Know:

• Learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A Background Check is required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA university.

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

EOE/AA:

Purdue University is an EOE/AA university.