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Position Details

Position Information

Department Small Farms Cmty Food Ct (ASM)

Position Title Faculty Research Assistant

Job Title Faculty Research Assistant: Organic Agriculture

Appointment Type Academic Faculty

Job Location Corvallis

Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible

Remote or Hybrid option?

Job Summary

The Center for Resilient Agriculture and Food Systems invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

Appointment at the Faculty Research Assistant rank is anticipated; however, appointment at a promoted rank may be considered depending upon the qualifications of the successful candidate.

This full-time, fixed-term Faculty Research Assistant will be responsible for coordinating and implementing applied research conducted by Extension faculty in the OSU Organic Agriculture program (https://centerforsmallfarms.oregonstate.edu/centerforsmallfarms/programs/organic-agriculture-program) . They will help to design and install experiments in the field and greenhouses, develop sampling protocols and data sheets, collect and organize data, and perform statistical analyses. They will also support proposal development and reporting to funding agencies, provide information for Extension publications and other outreach materials including websites and social media content. Research projects will relate to organic and ecologically managed cropping systems such as cover crop adoption, crop production and variety trials, soil health, soil nutrient management, and pest management.

The Organic Agriculture Program is a team of Extension faculty, working statewide, who use a combination of applied research, Extension teaching, outreach, and engagement to serve farmers of all scales—small, medium and large—and other professionals interested in sustainable, regenerative, and organic farming methods. The six Extension faculty specialties are: Organic Grains and Pulses, Organic Agricultural Soil Management, Organic Seed and Planting Stock, Organic Tree Fruit and Nuts, Organic Vegetable, and Organic Pasture and Forages. The Organic Agriculture Program works within the multidisciplinary Center for Resilient Food and Agriculture Systems and specializes in organic practices but is not limited to assisting certified Organic farms. Many organic farming practices have broad applications in non-organic farming systems and can lower input costs, improve soil health, and provide climate change mitigation.

College of Agricultural Sciences faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. Positions with primary responsibility for extension and outreach are likewise committed to learner success through programming appropriate for diverse audiences. There is an expectation that, as part of the college, the incumbent will embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment (https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/sites/agscid7/files/main/for-faculty/care.pdf) document.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

•Top 1.4% university in the world

•More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

•2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

•7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

•100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

•217k+ alumni worldwide

•For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

•Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

•Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

•Retirement savings paid by the university.

•A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

•Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

•Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

•Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

70% Applied Research:

+ Install and manage field-based and/greenhouse trials.

+ Assist with on-farm research and communicate with collaborating farmers.

+ Field/greenhouse tasks include but are not limited to planting, fertilization, irrigation, pesticide applications, harvest, physical data collection, and calibrating and using farm equipment.

+ Collect, enter, and analyze field data for multiple research projects and field plots including off-site with research collaborators.

+ Manage project data, conduct statistical analyses, and interpret results.

+ Ordering and collecting equipment, parts and materials. Maintaining equipment, tools, and supplies to keep equipment and projects in optimal working/operating condition

15% Scholarship:

+ Work with project leaders to interpret and report research findings. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to literature reviews, design and implementation of research protocols.

+ Assist with preparation of proposals and reports to funders, extension education presentations. Author/co-author peer-reviewed journal articles, Extension publications, website content, and other outreach material.

+ Write, summarize and present information directly related to research topics. Assist with event planning, speaker coordination, registration and evaluation of Extension events

15% Supervision:

+ Train, oversee, and manage undergraduate student and other workers.

+ Contribute to a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

What You Will Need

+ B.S. degree in Crop Science, Soil Science, Horticulture, Plant Science, Animal or Rangeland Science, Agricultural Science, Agronomy, or related field.

+ Demonstrated experience and expertise with crop production and/or agricultural research, with an interest or focus on sustainable and organic agriculture.

+ Demonstrated experience and proficiency with experimental design, data management and statistical analysis using R or SAS or other statistical software.

+ Experience managing the work of others and a commitment to team-oriented work.

+ Ability to work independently, organize and implement multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

+ Strong oral and written communication skills, including demonstrated experience with technical writing and the presentation of technical information.

+ Commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity with life experience, education, or training that broadens capacity to empower underserved audiences.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

What We Would Like You to Have

+ M.S. degree in Crop Science, Soil Science, Horticulture, Plant Science, Animal or Rangeland Science, Agricultural Science, Agronomy, or related field.

+ Experience with university Extension work, including applied research.

+ Experience in on-farm and participatory research.

+ Experience driving, calibrating and operating farm equipment (e.g. small tractors, combine harvesters, seeders, tillers, discs).

+ Spanish language proficiency.

+ Familiarity with webpage editing and simple video production.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

In the field, greenhouse, lab, or office. Normal working hours most of the time, but some early morning, evenings or weekends may be required. Some lifting and operation of agricultural equipment. Outdoors in all types of weather conditions. Operate a motor vehicle and travel to field research sites and educational events around the state.

Pay Method Salary

Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month

Pay Date Last working day of the month

Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $50,000-$60,000

Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position\_descriptions/127793

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P09123UF

Number of Vacancies 1

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 06/15/2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date 05/22/2025

Full Consideration Date 06/05/2025

Closing Date 06/12/2025

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by June 05, 2025.Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) Curriculum Vitae; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:

Beamlak Gugssa

[email protected]

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at ourBackground Checks (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks) website including thefor candidates (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates) section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team [email protected].

Supplemental Questions

Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/168965

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.