Position Title: Research Asst,Inter

Employee Classification: Research Asst,Inter

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 311200-EXTENSN PLANT SCIENCES

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  16.83

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  The College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Science's Extension Plant Sciences Department is seeking a candidate to support current chile research activities and to lead undergraduate student employees.

Classification Summary:
Intermediate-level professional in support of a project in a research discipline. Involved in leading lower-level professional and technical support staff or in complex scientific research. Performs complex data collection, reduction, and laboratory techniques requiring the use of independent judgment. Performs tests and analyses to determine procedures to be used and interprets results.

Classification Standard Duties:
Collects, processes, and assists in the compilation and verification of research data, samples, and/or specimens, following strict protocol and detailed instructions. Performs or assists with the execution of routine research protocol, such as interviewing, testing, and/or scientific procedures. Uses specialized analytical equipment, instrumentation, and/or statistical software, as specifically assigned, to assist with routine data analysis and interpretation, as appropriate to the position. Assists in the setup, operation, and maintenance of research equipment, instrumentation, and/or facilities, as specifically instructed. May travel to field research sites or other locations to collect and record data and/or samples, as appropriate to established study objectives and protocols. Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental, and/or infection control standards.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:No previous work experience required.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge and understanding of principles, procedures, regulations, and standards applicable to the job. Understanding of the University's mission, vision and goals.; SKILLS:Skill in the use of computerized systems and databases.; ABILITIES:Ability to understand and follow basic scientific research protocol and procedure. Ability to understand and follow complex, detailed technical instructions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Provide support for ongoing chile research activities and offer guidance to undergraduate student employees. Responsibilities include conducting research plot maintenance, collecting, processing, and verifying research data or samples in accordance with established protocols. Assist in routine research tasks such as chile yield assessments and laboratory procedures. Operate specialized equipment and software for data analysis. Assist in setting up and maintaining research tools. Travel to field sites for chile research plot maintenance and data or sample collection. Adhere to compliance with safety, quality, and procedural standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Stephanie Walker, 575-646-4398, swalker@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon external funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.