Research and Extension Assistant Forestry and Natural Resources
- Employer
- Kentucky State University
- Location
- Kentucky, United States
- Salary
- Salary Not Specified
- Date posted
- May 2, 2022
View more
You need to sign in or create an account to save a job.
- TITLE: Research and Extension Assistant - Forestry and Natural
Resources
DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Hourly, Non-exempt
Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: The Research and Extension Assistant position in Forestry and Natural Resources in the Kentucky State University Land Grant Program (LGP) and College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences will provide support to research and Cooperative Extension programs throughout Kentucky focusing on forest health, agroforestry and natural resources.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Research and Extension Assistant position will support a broad scope of forestry and natural resources activities. This state-wide position will assist in field-based research projects that involve alley cropping production systems, invasive species management, native pollinator habitat, drone-base remote sensing, forest health assessments and other activities as needed. This position will also support the planning, development and delivery of Cooperative Extension training and educations programs throughout Kentucky. This position will work under the direction of the Program Director.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Prepare, install and maintain alley cropping plots with trees, shrubs and row crops.
2. Weed control in native pollinator habitat plots while following detailed instructions.
3. Herbicide application in forest, agriculture and native pollinator habitat settings.
4. Operate equipment and vehicles during project activities including but not limited to chainsaws, brush cutters, hand tools, power tools, herbicide applicators, tractors, skid steers, native seed drills, handheld seed spreaders, trucks with trailers and other university vehicles.
5. Collect and enter statistical data and contribute to reports.
6. Pilot drones and process drone data.
7. Assist in Extension event planning and program delivery.
8. Train, supervise, and mentor undergraduate students in the program.
9. Professionally represent KSU and the Forestry and Natural Resources program at public meetings, events, and other meetings.
10. Travel to project sites locally and statewide, as needed.
11. Other related duties as assigned.
OTHER DUTIES: The position will conduct other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS: A B.Sc. in Wildlife Management, Horticulture, Agriculture, Forestry or a closely related field and 1-3 years of related work experience required.
Licensing and Certifications
This position requires ability to acquire a pesticide applicator license.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of natural areas management, wildlife habitat management, land management, crop management or horticulture production in outdoor settings.
• Knowledge of herbicide use for invasive plant or weed management.
• Knowledge of equipment use in farm or land management settings.
• Ability to work in adverse outdoor conditions.
• Ability to perform outdoor, labor-based tasks for multiple hours at a time.
• Ability to perform indoor task while sitting for multiple hours at a time.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Effective oral and writing skills and computer literacy.
• Supervisory ability.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team effort is required.
• Initiative, resourcefulness, punctuality, and ability to work independently are essential.
• Valid driver’s license.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Work will frequently involve exposure to outdoor and indoor conditions. This could involve some exposure to unusual elements such as high and low temperatures, rain, snow, dirt, pollen, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, fuel, herbicides, and/or loud noises.
• Work will involve responsible use of power tools, mechanical equipment and herbicides.
• Work will involve exposure to poisonous plants, stinging insects, ticks, snakes, and similar wildlife.
• Requires standing, walking, and hiking in cold, hot, wet, and dry conditions in difficult terrain.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Some travel required.
You need to sign in or create an account to save a job.
Get job alerts
Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.
Create alert