Research Associate - Turfgrass Management

Job Title

Research Associate - Turfgrass Management

Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Dallas

Commensurate

Dallas, Texas

Staff

About Texas A&M Agri Life

• 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.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of Agri Life and make a difference in the world!

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. The Research Associate will work closely and collaboratively with faculty, scientists, and students to support the day‑to‑day management of field research trials. Responsibilities 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 role requires effective teamwork, clear communication with internal and external stakeholders, and support of 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.
• Perform irrigation repair and maintenance.
• Calibrate, repair and maintain equipment.
• Prepare cultivation of ground for plantings.
• Carry out timely pesticide applications.
• Procure supplies from vendors.
• Supervise part‑time or wage‑payroll employees assisting with turfgrass maintenance.
• Summarize and compile information for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, horticulture or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of at least two years of research experience in agronomy, horticulture, turfgrass management or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of 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 cooperatively with others.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one by the 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.
• Knowledge of installation, repair and programming of irrigation systems.
• Bi‑lingual communication skills are desirable.

• Travel 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 references. Failure to provide…