RESEARCH SPECIALIST II

School of Natural Resources

Position Summary:

This position requires a highly motivated and creative individual capable of working in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary natural resources research lab. The individual will work in environments including but not limited to the office, laboratory, greenhouse, high tunnel, field, and forest. This position will involve coordinating and facilitating activities pertaining to several grant-funded projects. Duties include project planning, fieldwork, training and mentoring students, staff and interacting with community members during programming. This position requires the applicant to have a valid driver's license.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Plan, manage, and conduct project activities, including agroforestry field research in forest farming, alley cropping, and silvopasture.
• Collect, analyze, and prepare data for detailed reports and presentations.
• Write and edit grant proposals, project budgets, and reports to secure additional external funding.
• Help organize extension events, including the Forest Farming Workshops and field days.
• Keep detailed and orderly notes on all project work.
• Prepare and publish peer-reviewed research articles.
• Maintain laboratory facilities, order project supplies, and assist in managing budgets.
• Supervise graduate and undergraduate students during project work activities.
• Ensure all safety guidelines are followed in both the laboratory and fieldwork areas.
• Engage with community members, students, farmers, and fellow researchers to build new working relationships.
• Collaborate with fellow employees, outside researchers, and community stakeholders to achieve research objectives.
• Communicate research findings at prominent conferences throughout the United States.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to develop a work schedule and plan for self, team, and others assigned to projects.
• Must be able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and other programs to coordinate and facilitate project activities.
• Must be able to work some weekends and extended hours if necessary.
• Willing to travel to off-campus research facilities, participate in conferences, and visit partnering institutions.
• Must have effective communication skills.
• Have knowledge of field, greenhouse, and laboratory management and operations.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work in cold and hot environmental conditions.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, functions, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, functions, and activities may be modified, changed or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice, subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Monday - Friday

8am - 5pm

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Education and Experience:

• A degree in soil sciences, forestry, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Experience with project management and facilitation.
• Experience leading small teams is preferred.

Salary Range: $18.50 - $22.91/hour
Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: GGS-008
University Title: Research Specialist II
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

MU application

Cover letter

Resume

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.