• Technician I

    Texas A&M University System (Overton, TX)


    Job Title

     

    Technician I

     

    Agency

     

    Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service

     

    Department

     

    Entomology

    Proposed Minimum Salary

    $17.00 hourly

     

    Job Location

     

    Overton, Texas

     

    Job Type

     

    Temporary/Casual Staff (Fixed Term)

    Job Description

    The Technician I (temporary, part-time) under general supervision, assists in planning research on support laboratory methods and techniques, carrying out procedures, and recording results for a series of closely controlled experiments.

    Responsibilities:

    Responsibilities include setting up and maintaining research trials, collecting and recording data, monitoring pest populations, and assisting with sample processing and plant care. Candidates should have basic agricultural, horticultural, or lab experience, be comfortable working outdoors, and follow research protocols accurately.-Conducts experiments and technical procedures. Carries out research problems-Researches literature relating to possible procedures and experiments. Modifies procedures to suit the particular research need-Assists with planning and supervising technical operations-Assists personnel involved in a series of controlled environment or analysis experiments-Makes complex chemical and physical analyses which, although they follow standard procedures and tests, may require the exercise of some ingenuity and improvisation

     

    Assist in setting up and maintaining research trials in greenhouses, fields, and laboratory environments.

     

    Collect, record, and organize data from experiments, including plant and pest observations.

     

    Monitor pest populations in greenhouse and field conditions using traps and other sampling methods.

     

    Assist with the preparation and application of treatments (e.g., biological or chemical applications) following research protocols.

     

    Maintain research plants by watering, fertilizing, and performing routine upkeep.

     

    Process and analyze plant, insect, and soil samples in the laboratory.

     

    Ensure cleanliness and organization of the lab, greenhouse, and field research areas.

     

    Assist in the setup and takedown of research equipment and experiments as needed.

     

    Follow safety protocols and research compliance guidelines.

     

    -Uses computer equipment for controlling equipment and compiling data.-Makes and records observations and measurements-Writes and/or edits for publication scientific materials requiring academic knowledge-Researches and catalogs reference materials requiring understanding of subject matter theory-Orders scientific supplies and equipment

     

    other duties as required.

    Required Education and Experience:

    - High school diploma

     

    - Two years of related experience

    Preferred Education and Experience:

    Some college coursework in agriculture, biology, entomology, or a related field.

     

    Experience in agricultural research, horticulture, entomology, or plant science.

    Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

    -Knowledge of laboratory equipment, scientific apparatus, and computer equipment.

     

    -Ability to ensure attention to detail.

     

    - Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

     

    -Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

    Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

    Experience in agricultural research, horticulture, entomology, or plant science.

     

    Familiarity with pest identification and monitoring techniques.

     

    Understanding of greenhouse operations and plant care.

    Other information:

    Computer (data entry, research documentation, emails) – 3 hours/week

     

    Dissecting microscope (sample examination, insect identification) – 2 hours/week

     

    Field sampling tools (traps, sweep nets, aspirators, hand lenses) – 3 hours/week

     

    Greenhouse equipment (watering hoses, misting systems, humidity/temperature monitors) – 3 hours/week

     

    Sprayers (for applying biological or chemical treatments under supervision) – 1 hour/week

     

    Balances and scales (weighing plant/insect samples) – 1 hour/week

     

    Pipettes and lab equipment (sample preparation, liquid handling) – 1 hour/week

     

    Soil probes and plant measurement tools (rulers, calipers, pH meters, moisture meters) – 2 hours/week

     

    Hand tools (pruners, trowels, small shovels for plant care and maintenance) – 2 hours/week

     

    Vehicles (golf cart, small utility vehicle for transporting materials in the field) – 1 hour/week

     

    All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

     

    Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.