Research Specialist

North Carolina State University

$ 45,454 - $ 109,409

United States, North Carolina, Castle Hayne

3800 Castle Hayne Road (Show on map)

Mar 26, 2025

Job Posting Information

Posting Number	PG194497SP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research Specialist
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with experience (up to $53,995)
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday / 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (additional hours as needed for seasonal activities)
Job Location	Castle Hayne, NC
Department	Horticultural Crops Research Station
About the Department	The Horticultural Crops Research Station is one of eighteen agricultural research centers in the State of North Carolina. North Carolina State University owns the Horticultural Crops Research Station with operational management through the Division of Research Stations. North Carolina State University and the Division of Research Stations establish the general operating procedures. The regional distribution of research stations throughout North Carolina is designed to address agricultural questions as they pertain to specific geographic areas. The Horticultural Crops Research Station is a vital link in the chain of research stations in addressing agricultural concerns of North Carolina. The primary purpose of the Research Station is to provide land, personnel, expertise, facilities and equipment to research scientists conducting agricultural research projects which address specific questions of crop production in North Carolina. The Research Station is an important training facility for crop producers, graduate students, high school students and the general public. Current research projects involve the production or improvement of blueberries, strawberries, landscape ornamentals, turf, muscadine grapes, and cucurbits.
Essential Job Duties	The Research Specialist position will provide daily management for all crops. The incumbent will be responsible for implementing research protocols and maintaining research crops to meet the research objectives of the faculty. To achieve this goal, the position must help manage staff, students, equipment, and facilities in conjunction with the research station superintendent. This position will serve as a liaison between the project leader staff and the research station. Duties include but are not limited to: Perform and supervise physically demanding tasks associated with crop production, including planting, cultivating, and harvesting all crops Direct and monitor work assignments (daily/weekly) for all direct reports, including temporary labor Operate farm equipment, including tractors, planters, drones, and precision agriculture equipment tools Operate, monitor, and maintain various types of irrigation equipment including but not limited to drip and solid set Assist with maintenance of equipment, grounds, buildings, field plots, and other tasks essential to the proper operation of the entire facility Assist research personnel with the implementation of treatments, collection, and recording of data Assist station superintendent with field assignment and crop rotation decisions Conduct performance reviews, provide guidance and leadership to direct reports Ensure the safety of staff, project staff, and visitors Effectively communicate station information to various groups, including commodity groups, Master Gardeners, and K-12 school groups Assist other research stations, field labs, and related units as directed by the superintendent. The validity of research data depends upon the quality of work of this position. This position is located in Castle Hayne, NC. You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
Other Responsibilities	Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education	Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Other Required Qualifications	Experience operating production-scale agricultural equipment, including tractors Experience in the production of horticultural or row crops Experience calculating chemical and fertilizer needs Must be able to lift 50 lbs on a routine basis over extended periods of time, occasionally lifting 75 lbs with or without reasonable accommodations. Ability to communicate in both oral and written form Ability to collect and record data accurately Experience using Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Forms)
Preferred Qualifications	Degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in the production of small fruits, including blueberries and strawberries Experience in crop production in a research setting Experience with agricultural pesticides, including the ability to calibrate application equipment Experience identifying plant pests and selecting treatment options Experience with precision agriculture equipment and irrigation systems
Required License or Certification	NC Driver's License, or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire NC Public Pesticide Applicator including Soil Fumigation Certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months of start. NCDAC Custodial Agent, or ability to obtain within 6 months of start. NCDA&CS Forklift License, or ability to obtain within 6 months of start. Respirator Certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months of start. Licenses must be maintained as a condition of employment.
Valid NC Driver's License required	Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required?	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	03/26/2025
Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)	04/02/2025
Notice to Applicants
Special Instructions	Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Please make sure that the information entered on the application matches what is on your resume.

Position Details

Position Number	00106923
Position Type	SHRA
Position Classification Band Title	Research Specialist
Position Classification Band Level	Contributing
Position Classification Salary Range	$ 45,454 - $ 109,409
Salary Grade Equivalency	GN08
Alternate Option	If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.00
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Fire/Explosions, Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Transportation Accidents, Mandatory - Evacuations/Natural Hazards, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure, Mandatory - Threats of Violence/Terrorism/Interpersonal Emergencies
Time Limited Position	No
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
Department Id	115005 - Horticultural Crops Research Station
AA/EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.