Research Support (Research Associate, Sr.) (#97168)

Title: Research Support (Research Associate, Senior)
Position Number: 0097168
Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), Kaua‘i County 
Location: Kaua‘i Extension Office (Kaua‘i Island-Wailua)
Closing Date: 04/22/2024
Band: B
Salary: salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent 

Duties and Responsibilities

• *This position is under the general supervision of the Kaua‘i County Administrator and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the CTAHR research, extension, and maintenance operations at the Kauai Agricultural Research Station on the island of Kaua‘i.
• *Oversees a variety of horticultural and agronomic activities in connection with the research and extension programs conducted at the CTAHR sites on Kaua‘i, and performs other duties as required. 
• *Plans, schedules, and coordinates the implementation of CTAHR research projects and related field, nursery, and shop work operations, including scheduling of staff under their supervision and identification of equipment needs at the research stations; performs daily inspection and monitoring of active projects.
• *Supervises all agricultural research support technicians by assigning, directing, and training them in carrying out the projects and objectives of the research stations, and reviews work in progress; 
• *Inspects completed work for thoroughness, accuracy, and precision. 
• * Enforces and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations; evaluates work performance of subordinates; promotes harmonious working relationships among the farm staff.
• * Supervises the application of pesticides including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.
• *Communicates regularly with research and extension faculty/project coordinators orally and in writing, including notifying project principal investigators immediately of any issues related to their projects (including but not limited to pest/disease issues, other crop damage, maintenance needs, pesticide applications, approaching harvest, etc.); proactively takes steps to mitigate problems.
• *Consults with research and extension faculty regarding operations needed for each project and implements the most cost effective and efficient means to accomplish operations within labor, facility, and equipment availability to meet project objectives;; provides updates on each project status during regular meetings and maintains up-to-date maps of projects and makes them available to all staff and involved faculty.
• *Keeps detailed records of the field research operations of each project including utilization of labor, equipment, tractors and vehicles, rainfall, and other climactic data; works with team to source necessary materials or machinery when depleted.
• *Assists in maintaining the agriculture fields and vegetation; including field preparation of experimental plots and any other related maintenance to support the research projects housed at the CTAHR’s Kaua‘i sites. 
• *Analyzes processes to improve methods of research operation to increase efficiency of labor utilization.
• *Assists the County Administrator in the preparation of the annual research station budgets by providing prioritized lists of materials, supplies, and equipment essential for the operations of each station responsible for the upkeep of station buildings, roads, fences, lawns, landscape plants, irrigation, and other stations facilities and arranges for the labor and materials needed for maintenance and scheduled improvements; consolidates and conducts purchasing activities to meet research station needs in compliance with University policies. 
• * Solicits bids and arranges with external contractors/vendors as necessary to address maintenance issues in a timely manner to ensure employee safety, site security, and the on-going ability to conduct necessary work functions; familiarizes self and team with new equipment in a timely manner after purchase.
• * Assists in the selection process to fill position vacancies under their supervision by reviewing position descriptions, interviewing, and rating applicants.
• * Responsible for monitoring the repairs and the maintenance (R&M) needs of the farms and offices, and makes recommendations to the County Administrator. 
• * Oversees the registration, safety inspections, repair and maintenance, and disposal of vehicle fleet and large farm equipment. Makes recommendations to the County Administrator to purchase, repair, or dispose of vehicles and farm equipment.
• * Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, contractors, team leaders and members, and individuals through respectful interactions; 
• *Works with team to coordinate logistics of field days or other visitor events, organizes infrastructure and labor for events and to orient new visiting researchers of proper Station protocols; 
• Works with various cropping systems including: organic and inorganic farming techniques, livestock, and genetically modified organisms.
• Other duties as assigned

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree in agriculture business, agricultural engineering, plant and soil sciences, or related field; and 4 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for management of agricultural facilities, equipment, and personnel; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
• Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the management of facilities and equipment as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
• Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with the management of facilities and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.
• If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.

• Ability to operate farm equipment including tractors, mechanical sprayers, golf carts, 3-wheel and 4-wheel vehicles, and all small equipment (e.g. chainsaws, string trimmers, etc.)
• Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawai‘i Driver’s license (Class 3), comparable driver’s license, or other means of transportation which meets position needs.
• An annual physician’s approval to use a respirator, an annual UH Health and Safety respiratory certification, and the State of Hawaii Department of Agriculture Commercial Pesticide Applicators Category 1 License are required within 6 months of employment.  

• Master’s degree in agriculture business, agricultural engineering, agricultural business administration, or related field.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, procedures and techniques of agricultural research. 
• Working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with OSHA, WPS, EPA.
• Knowledge of University of Hawaii fiscal accounting systems, administrative policies and procedures.
• Ability to analyze budget data and make recommendations on increased efficiencies.
• Knowledge of construction, facility maintenance, upkeep and renovation. 

CTAHR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement:
 
We believe that inclusiveness and excellence are interdependent. Our local and global communities are best served by ensuring all populations are represented equitably throughout CTAHR. We strive to cultivate an environment that supports equitable opportunities for every member of CTAHR to achieve individual and common goals. We will advance diversity, equity, and inclusion by: (1) promoting the recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff, especially from groups that have been underrepresented or marginalized; (2) creating equal opportunities for all members of CTAHR to participate in decision-making processes and scholarly and professional development; and (3) fostering an inclusive culture where every CTAHR member feels respected and valued.