Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Field Researcher IV
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Research Support (Laboratory/Non-Laboratory)
Department	SEBS - Blueberry-Cranberry
Overview	The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Field Researcher IV for the Cranberry and Blueberry Breeding Program at the Marucci Center in Chatsworth, New Jersey. This position is needed to keep the breeding projects going and maintain the many breeding populations and germplasm collections in the field and greenhouse. This employee is needed not only for the routine plant maintenance, propagation, field trial plantings, etc., but also to take on additional responsibilities, such as regularly making independent decisions on plant maintenance, pest control, supervising hourly employees, repairing equipment, ordering supplies, presenting at field days, and managing data. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Participates in the planning, establishment, and maintenance of field and greenhouse breeding trials and laboratory procedures. Responsible for proper maintenance, propagation, and labeling of extensive germplasm collection, breeding populations, and advanced selections, with zero tolerance of mix-ups. Supervises, trains and assigns duties to hourly employees to facilitate an efficient and productive plant breeding program. Includes training of personnel on proper lab protocols, pesticide safety, and safe equipment operation. Assists in effective evaluation of breeding materials, including data and sample collection, database maintenance, subsequent statistical analysis, and document preparation for publication. Coordinates equipment use, preventative maintenance and repairs. Participates in the requisition ordering of all field, greenhouse and laboratory supplies, pesticides, fertilizers, laboratory chemicals and other supplies for the project. Participates in field days, conferences, demonstrations, literature searches, visitor tours and other duties as requested.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	03
Position Salary
Annual Minimum Salary	46742.000
Annual Mid Range Salary	59162.500
Annual Maximum Salary	71583.000
Standard Hours	37.50
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview . Rutgers also offers a benefit program to eligible full-time postdoctoral fellow students. For details, please go to https://finance.rutgers.edu/healthcare-risk/insurance/postdoctoral-health-insurance.
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor’s Degree in a biological science including course work or experience in biology and plant breeding, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience, or a minimum of 2 years experience working with specialty crops (vegetables, small fruits, tree fruits or ornamentals) management in the field and in the greenhouse.
Certifications/Licenses	Will be required to have a valid NJ DEP Pesticide Applicator’s License.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Must be organized, flexible and capable of carrying out several tasks or projects at the same time and have the ability to reorganize tasks depending on weather, labor schedules and other resources. Must have good reading/writing skills, and good interpersonal communication skills. Must have experience in plant maintenance and propagation, pest management, and proper experimental design. Must be able to accurately maintain labeling and organization of extensive collections of breeding material, as well as follow to the letter research protocol as produced by the direct supervisor. Must have knowledge of basic laboratory equipment and techniques. Must have knowledge of computer applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must be familiar with proper data/statistical analysis of experiments.
Preferred Qualifications	At least 2 years of hand-on experience in the plant sciences including greenhouse, field and laboratory work. Prior experience with agricultural research and plant breeding. Knowledge and prior experience with layout and maintenance of field and greenhouse trials.
Equipment Utilized	Must have familiarity with propagation, pruning, fertilization, and application of pesticides utilized in field and greenhouse research. In addition, familiarity with the proper use of laboratory equipment such as homogenizer, spectrophotometer, titrator, precision scale, and other equipment used in the laboratory .
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and endure strenuous physical activities in frequently adverse conditions. Must be able to tolerate field work during hot days of summer, cold days of winter, and on weekends when requested for essential tasks.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	23ST0338
Posting Open Date	02/06/2023
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Rutgers University - New Brunswick
City	Chatsworth
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and have received a booster (where eligible) against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Employees who are not eligible for a booster at the time of an offer of employment must provide proof they have received a booster upon eligibility and upload proof of same. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement