Research Associate - Turfgrass Management

Job Title

Research Associate - Turfgrass Management

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Dallas

Commensurate

Dallas, Texas

Staff

Texas A&M Agri Life is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M Agri Life Extension Service
• Texas A&M Agri Life Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M Agri Life brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M Agri Life is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

This position will be an integral member of the turfgrass breeding team and will play a critical role in achieving the program’s research objectives. This position will work closely and collaboratively with faculty, scientists, and students to support the day-to-day management of field research trials. Responsibilities will include the timely implementation of turfgrass cultural management practices, irrigation scheduling and maintenance, pesticide applications in accordance with safety and regulatory requirements, and operation and maintenance of specialized turfgrass equipment.

The Research Associate - Turfgrass Management is expected to contribute effectively in a team-oriented research environment, communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders, and support high-quality data collection and research outcomes.

• Manage breeding nurseries and research trials: including seasonal turfgrass cultural practices such as routine mowing, irrigation scheduling, and fertilizer applications in support of golf course and lawn-based research. These duties require operating an agency vehicle.
• Implement research protocols, which include trial setup, treatment application and data collection.
• Irrigation repair and maintenance.
• Equipment calibration, repair and maintenance.
• Cultivation of ground for plantings.
• Timely pesticide application.
• Procurement of supplies from vendors.
• Supervision of part-time/wage-payroll employees assisting with turfgrass maintenance.
• Summarize and compile information for publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Other duties assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of at least two years Research experience in agronomy, horticulture, turfgrass management or a closely related field.
• Knowledge in basic turfgrass cultural management practices, including rotary and reel mowing, irrigation system maintenance and repair, pesticide application, and basic equipment maintenance.
• Organizational skills and ability to work effectively in a research team.
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written).
• Good computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office and willingness to learn other programs as needed.
• Enthusiastic, highly motivated, and independent.
• Ability to multi-task and work co-operatively with others.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain by start of employment.
• Possess a State of Texas Pesticide Applicator’s License or obtain the license within six months of employment.

• Knowledge of operation, repair and maintenance of specialized turfgrass equipment such as aerifiers, verticutters, sod harvesters, and reel mowers is desired.
• Knowledge of installation, repair and programming of irrigation systems is desired.
• Bi‑lingual communication is desirable.

• Travels to outdoor field environments, off-campus research sites and collaborating institutions as part of the research program.

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

Applicant Instructions: Please submit (1) curriculum vitae, (2) a minimum of three…