Research Specialist Jobs in Tennessee

INTRODUCTION

Position is solely responsible for assisting in performing technical, research and field-related duties in support of the center’s Beef Unit research programs, operations, and mission. Oversee and direct beef cattle forage production, pasture management, and infrastructure development and maintenance, as well as, assist in forage and beef cattle unit research. Perform routine tasks and conducts routine procedures associated with maintaining efficient operations in support of center's forage, beef cattle production and research programs and infrastructure. In addition, the position is responsible for proper implementation, accurate analysis and effective communications concerning all beef cattle research projects and communication between lead primary investigator and the center director.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Implementing research protocols and production practices within Beef Cattle unit:

• Take lead in the beef cattle research program at MTREC including; organization of needed resources, land, livestock, feedstuffs, and necessary supplies for data collection. Also, implementation of research design and protocols as provided by the PI's workplan, collection of appropriate data as directed by the PI and workplan, analysis research project's data and timeline in order to make informed recommendation to PI and center director concerning beef research programming.

• Oversight of the center's production practices involving the beef cattle herd, as this is a primary resources for MTREC's research program. Responsibilities on a daily bases include; Health and nutritional oversight and assessment, forage/pasture management including soil testing and analysis of results for proper nutrient application. In addition, Implementation and management of Artificial Insemination program within beef cattle herd.

• Act as primary communicator with center director related to herd needs; feed, health and marketing.

• Input and manage record keeping system for beef cattle operations at MTREC, this includes both research and production.

• Assist State Beef Cattle Specialist in all performing Beef Cattle Management Training courses by managing livestock resource needs as well as all supplies and materials required.

• Assist PLF Coordinator with management and implementation for associated research trials.

• Assist UT Bull Test at critical times of operations, delivery, monthly weights and sale dates.

• Assists Center Director with daily production and management:

• Acquisition of feed, seed, fertilizer and equipment associated with beef production and research programs.

• Acquisition of animal health products for beef unit.

• Act as primary communicator with livestock marketing agents prior to livestock marketing events; also facilitate collection of required data points and provide interpretation of resulting measures related to production decision.

• Implementation of animal health protocols.

• Assistance in IACUC and AAALAC compliance, records and inspections.

• Assists with other livestock and production-related agricultural tasks in support of beef unit and leading the management of pasture health, fencing integrity and facilities upkeep and safety.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma or GED

• Experience: at least 5 years of agriculture experience

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of animal agricultural operations.

• Ability to accurately record data related research and production activities.

• Ability to work safely and confidently around large farm animals.

• Knowledge and ability to care for beef cattle related needs/welfare and carryout stewardship practices.

• Ability to recognize equipment or maintenance problems.

• Ability to operate large agricultural equipment.

• Ability to perform agricultural/manual labor in inclement weather conditions.

• Ability to work well with others on a daily basis. Self-motivated individual.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree

• Experience: Agricultural production practices specific to beef cattle, forage, infrastructure design and crop production.

LOCATION

• Location: Spring Hill, TN

• Onsite

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• UT market range: MR05

• Anticipated hiring range:

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

ABOUT THE COLLEGE/DEPARTMENT/DIVISION

This Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is a 1265-acre facility located in beautiful Spring Hill, Tennessee, and maintains a diversity of resources and opportunities for UTIA researchers and educators. The Center enjoys the presence and a cooperative working relationship with a number of different departments and faculty at the University of Tennessee.