Campus

OSU-Stillwater

Contact Name & Email

Michael Pettijohn, michael.pettijohn@okstate.edu

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm or as determined by the supervisor. Occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends may be required timely agricultural and research operations, especially during the growing, planting, or harvesting season.

Appointment Length

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

Hiring Range

$38,040 - $50,400

Special Instructions to Applicants

For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.

About this Position

Who We Are: The Field and Research Service Unit (FRSU) is a component of OSU Ag Research that has a mission to conduct research on agriculture, natural resources, rural economies and social issues to increase science-based knowledge and develop technology to improve the lives of Oklahomans.

The Field & Research Service Unit encompasses the infrastructure and local staff for multidisciplinary field and lab research within the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Facilities include 21 agricultural research units that span the diverse environments and production systems across Oklahoma and the campus based Controlled Environmental Research Lab, Stored Products Research Center, Animal Nutritional Physiology Center, multiple greenhouses, turf research, and core lab facilities.

For more information, please visit: https://agresearch.okstate.edu/

General duties included assisting with the overall care and maintenance of agricultural research projects and facilities associated with the Southcentral Research Station located in Chickasha, Oklahoma and associated facilities at Ft. Cobb, Oklahoma. This position is to assist and advise Station Superintendent, research project personnel and research station personnel in conducting research activities, crop production, and general station upkeep.

An Assistant Superintendent must have sound independent judgment for daily research station operations such as seedbed preparation, planting, harvesting, cultivating, irrigation, chemical applications, weighing, processing, storing, and distribution of research crops. Follow all label recommendations, State and Federal regulations regarding the utilization of pesticides. They must be able to effectively assign duties, provide hands-on supervision, and routinely inspect the work of other full-time and temporary personnel for quality, safety, and compliance.

This position requires a service attitude with strengths in teamwork, professionalism, dependability, and resource stewardship. Other duties are to be completed as assigned.

There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU. Check out our benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Agriculture (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• 1 year operation of agricultural equipment, research equipment, and vehicles. Work related experiences include but are not limited to: familiarity with farming practices, equipment operations, equipment repair, some supervisory experience, leadership roles, workload management, basic research practices in agricultural or natural resources management. Much of the work is performed outdoors and is subject to normal weather conditions which may including heat, cold, moisture, noise, and dust. There is physical danger when the individual is exposed to agricultural machinery, livestock, and practices including but not limited to equipment and facility maintenance, applying pesticides, applying fertilizer, planting, and harvesting. Ability to operate equipment such as tractors, mowers, combine, sprayers, tillage equipment, planters, shop equipment, pickup and trucks. Ability to safely climb ladders, excavate trenches, load seed and fertilizer, climb on and off farm equipment and other related physical tasks. Ability to carry more than 50 lbs. frequently and in excess of 75 pounds occasionally. Sitting, walking and standing for extended periods are necessary as well as repetitive bending, kneeling, and overhead lifting.

• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses: Must possess and maintain valid driver’s license. After hire, must acquire demonstration and research pesticide applicators license within 9 months.
• Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge: Ability to effectively work with people, supervise personnel, good communication skills, ability to provide clear directions. Ability to work with faculty, staff, technicians, and graduate students of many departments within and outside DASNR, as well as the general public and visitors to the research station. Ability to assist in demonstrations of equipment and station research areas. Broad knowledge of agronomic crops, horticulture, irrigation practices and work experience in agriculture. Progressively more responsibility in management of research projects. Good mechanical aptitude required. Must have an eye for detail to help implement a preventive maintenance program. Must be able to maintain, make repairs, and operate various research equipment including irrigation, and other general agricultural equipment such as tractors, skid loaders, chain saws and sprayers. Basic understanding of small engine operation, carpentry, plumbing, and painting. Computer knowledge and operation is required for communication and record keeping. Computer skills are required including utilizing e-mail, spreadsheet, word processing and web-based programs for communication, maintaining projects project records and training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's in Horticulture/Plant & Soil Science/Biosystems Engineering/Animal Science/Agricultural Economics/Natural Resource and Environmental Sciences

• Four years previous work-related experience to include operation of farm and research machinery and vehicles. Management of research projects and data.

• Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

  CDL Class A driver's license. An Oklahoma Ag Chemical Technical Service Applicators or Demonstration and Research license.