RESEARCH SPECIALIST I - SANDHILL REC, COLUMBIA, SC

One of the country’s most selective public research universities, Clemson University serves a uniquely driven and highly accomplished student body.

Ranked consistently as one of the best national public university by U.S.News & World Report, Clemson is a science- and engineering-oriented college dedicated to teaching, research and service. Founded in 1889, we remain committed both to world-class research and a high quality of life. In fact, 91 percent of our seniors say they’d pick Clemson again if they had it to do over.

Clemson’s retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities. We’ve been named among the best values by Kiplinger magazine in 2013, and SmartMoney in 2012 ranked us No. 7 in student return on investment.

Our beautiful college campus sits on 1,400 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the shores of Hartwell Lake. But we also have research facilities and economic development hubs throughout the state of South Carolina — in Greenville, Greenwood, Columbia and Charleston.

WELCOME TO CLEMSON!

Clemson is calling...are you ready to answer the call?

One of the most productive public research universities in the nation, Clemson University attracts and powerfully unites students, faculty and staff whose greatest desire is to make a difference in the lives of others.

Clemson has recently been named a top 25 public college in the country by the Wall Street Journal, a top South Carolina employer by Forbes and a Military Friendly Employer for five years running. Through our research, outreach and entrepreneurial projects, Clemson University and its employees are driving economic development and improving quality of life in South Carolina and beyond.

So,... are you ready?

JOB SUMMARY:

Assists professional staff in planning experiments, research projects, demonstration projects and data collection activities. Assists staff/faculty with experiments or demonstration sites in a specialized area of agricultural and natural resources research. Assists with the daily operation of Sandhill REC including field maintenance, machinery maintenance Assists with overall management of agriculture and natural resources operations at the Sandhill REC. Other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

35% - Essential - Assist with agriculture and natural resource research experiments. Assists with setting up, maintaining and repairs laboratory and field equipment. Assists in plot layouts for experiments, management of irrigation systems, fertilizer, and pesticide applications. Assists with data collection for research plots.
30% - Essential - Assists in the overall management of land resources at Sandhill REC including, agricultural demonstration sites, forest and natural resources, ponds, and conservation/garden, education stations, general roadway and grounds maintenance. Assists in preparing property for events and educational programs conducted at Sandhill REC.
20% - Essential - Assists in daily management of the operation of a 5 acre incubator farm demonstration project. Operation of irrigation systems, management of organic certification and GAP requirements. Assists in greenhouse use and maintenance, farm equipment use, and maintenance. Ensures equipment is maintained and used properly.
15% - Essential - Assists with maintenance of farm and grounds equipment. Utilizes mowers, tractors, trucks, etc. to conduct grounds maintenance and research plots.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education - High School or Equivalent - Associate degree in a discipline related to agriculture may be substituted for the required work experience.
Work Experience 2+ years - Agricultural research or farm management that is directly related to the area of employment.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Education - Associate's Degree - A discipline related to agriculture may be substituted for the required work experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE
Firm Job Knowledge - Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Supervisory Duties - Not responsible for supervising employees.
BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
No Budget Responsibilities - No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Walk or move about
Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery, equipment, etc
Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs, ladder)
Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop, kneel, crawl)
Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself
Recognize or inspect visually
Move, transport, raise or lower

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Exposure to heat or cold
Exposure to dust/fumes
Wet or humid
Noise
Vibration
Mechanical hazards
Chemical hazards
Electrical hazards

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

expected Salary Range: ($ 31,600.00 - $ 38,000.00)

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations
Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Columbia, SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Review of applications will begin immediately; but this position will remain open until filled.

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

MILITARY EQUIVALENCY:
Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.
VETERAN PREFERENCE:
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.

State policy for veteran preference states that for qualifying, full-time permanent positions, a veteran applicant may receive preference if they meet the job's minimum qualifications, were discharged under honorable conditions from the military, and submit their DD-214 for confidential review by the Office of Human Resources.
To claim Veteran Preference for qualifying positions, email hrjob@clemson.edu upon submission of your application.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.