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Research Specialist - Crop and Soil Sciences

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Plesae attach a Cover Letter, CV, and Contact information for three (3) professional references.

Posting Details

Job Posting Information

Posting Number PG193107SP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Research Specialist - Crop and Soil Sciences
Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with Experience ($50,000 - $55,000)
Work Schedule Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm (as needed to meet project goals)
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department Crop and Soil Sciences
About the Department
The Precision Sustainable Agriculture program is a network of researchers across the country collaborating to develop integrated knowledge-intensive sustainable agriculture practices into a precision framework to maximize farm productivity, and sustainability through the use of an information ecology that connects farms, data, tools, and people for optimal, real-time decision making. The PSA program is housed within the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences which encompasses diverse disciplines in research extension and teaching. The department’s mission is to develop future leaders in crop, soil and environmental sciences, improve crop plants and products, devise effective and sustainable crop production systems, devise effective and sustainable soil management techniques in both agriculture and urban settings, and disseminate crop, soil, and environmental science knowledge for the benefit of users and producers of food, feed turf, biofuels and fiber in North Carolina, the nation and the world.
Essential Job Duties
We are seeking an exceptional individual to coordinate and conduct drone operations across North Carolina and manage the associated data. In this role you will be responsible for the planning, setup, and collection of drone imagery at multiple research stations across North Carolina. You will also coordinate data collection activities with research station staff licensed to operate UAVs at other locations and serve as the point-of-contact for technical UAV issues or operational concerns. You will work closely with a team of researchers and data managers in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to coordinate flights, schedule data collection activities, and transfer data. Responsibilities will also include the management and post-processing of UAV imagery. These activities will include following protocols and procedures developed for the download, transfer, organization, and storage of the drone imagery and derived data products.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Ability to coordinate and conduct drone operation across North Carolina and manage the associated data.
  • Plan, setup, and collection of drone imagery at multiple research stations.
  • Follow protocols and procedures developed for the download, transfer, organization, and storage of the drone imagery and derived data products.
  • Coordinate data collection activities with research station staff licensed to operate UAVs at other locations and serve as the point-of-contact for technical UAV issues or operational concerns.
  • The position will work closely with a team of researchers and data managers in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to coordinate flights, schedule data collection activities, and transfer data.
  • Responsibilities include management of post processing of UAV imagery.
  • Develop training materials for research staff on UAV operation and data collection.
  • Train research staff on the setup and operation of UAVs for research purposes.
  • Other duties as assigned.


At present, this is a time-limited position for two (2) years, with a maximum time-limited status of 3 years.
Other Responsibilities
Other 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
  • Ability to work extended hours outdoor
  • Ability to travel as required
  • Possess strong troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to conduct missions safely and responsibly
  • Ability to keep detailed flight logs and accurate records
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
  • Experience with at least one or more of the following:
    • MicaSense (AgEagle) Rededge-MX, RedEdge-P, Altum, and Altum-P. Experience setting up and collecting data with RTK-GPS receivers (e.g. Emlid, Trimble)

  • Excellent written and oral communication
Preferred Qualifications
  • 1-3 years UAS experience operating DJI consumer and enterprise-level UAV’s
  • 4-year degree + 1 year of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience.
  • Familiarity with GIS software.
  • Familiarity with cloud-based data storage services (Azure, AWS).
  • Technical knowledge of a at least one or more of the following:
    • MicaSense (AgEagle) Rededge-MX, RedEdge-P, Altum, and Altum-P in order to act as point of contact for technical UAV issues or operational concerns.

  • Proficient in Windows and Linux operating environments.
  • Basic programming skills a plus (python, R, batch scripting).
  • Prior experience with post-processing imagery in photogrammetry software (Metashape, Pix4D WebODM).
Required License or Certification
  • Valid Driver’s License or the ability to obtain an NC driver’s License within 60 days of hire.
  • Valid Remote Pilot Certificate (USA Part 107 License) or ability to obtain a Pilot Certificate (USA Part 107 License) within 6 months of hire.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required? No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date 03/08/2023
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.) 03/15/2023
Notice to Applicants
Special Instructions
Plesae attach a Cover Letter, CV, and Contact information for three (3) professional references.
Position Details

Position Number 00109960
Position Type SHRA
Position Classification Band Title Research Specialist
Position Classification Band Level Journey
Position Classification Salary Range $ 45,454 - $ 109,409
Salary Grade Equivalency GN10
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 Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory - Medical Emergencies
Time Limited Position Yes
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable) 2 years
Department Id 110901 - Crop and Soil Sciences
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 Institutional Equity and Diversity.

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. How did you learn of this opportunity?
    • NCSU Website
    • NCSU Executive Search Services
    • Monster.com
    • CareerBuilder.com
    • InsideHigherEd.com
    • Other Online Job Board
    • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
    • Job / Career Fair
    • The Chronicle of Higher Education
    • HERC
    • Professional Journal
    • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
    • Professional Organization
    • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
    • NCSU Employee Referral
    • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
    • Other
  2. If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.

    (Open Ended Question)

  3. Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Research Specialist position.
    • Bachelor's, Master's, and/or Doctorate
    • Associate's in any field and at least 2 years of related experience
    • Combination of post-high school education and experience to equal at least 4 years of experience in a closely related field. (ex: 1 year towards a degree and 3 years of experience)
    • High School diploma/GED and at least 4 years of related experience
    • Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and experience to equal at least 8 years (ex. 3 years of high school and 5 years of experience).
    • None of the above
  4. A valid driver's license is required. This license must be maintained throughout employment. Do you have a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a North Carolina Driver's License within 60 days of hire?
    • Yes
    • No
  5. Do you have a valid Remote Pilot Certificaiton (USA Part 107 License) or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire?
    • Yes
    • No

Application Materials Required

Required Documents
  1. Cover Letter
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Contact Information for References
Optional Documents