RESEARCH SPECIALIST II

School of Natural Resources

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

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.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $18.87 - $21.15.

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

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR. To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page.

MU application

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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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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