Employment Opportunities at the Panhandle Center

Current Openings:

Ag Research Technician

Provide support for the UNL dry bean and garbanzo breeding research program in western Nebraska. Responsible for all related dry bean and garbanzo field work on station and in growers’ fields. Activities include seed preparation, planting, basic data collection, weeding, irrigation as needed, applying experimental chemical treatments as required by protocols, harvest, threshing, seed cleaning, storing, and seed inventory. The Ag Research Technician, working closely with the Dry Bean Breeder Specialist, will ensure all operations are completed timely and accurately. He or she will work with temporary/seasonal laborers as well as graduate students. Additional duties include assisting in the greenhouse by filling pots, planting, staking, applying treatments, and harvest. Responsible for inventory of greenhouse supplies.

Irregular hours and frequent travel to fields required. Position is located at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, NE. A pesticide applicator’s license must be obtained within the first year of employment.

High school diploma plus one year crop production or related experience required; equivalent education/experience considered. Basic computer and basic data collection skills are necessary. Bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop science or related field preferred. Working knowledge of farm machinery and equipment operation, equipment maintenance, and herbicides/fertilizer/insecticide application necessary. A Criminal History Background Check is required.

To apply, print an application form, complete and return it in person or by mail to University of Nebraska, 4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.
 

Seasonal employees:

Individuals are needed to work primarily in research field plots and some lab work. Must be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition.

To apply, print an application form, complete it, indicate availability, and return by mail or in person to University of Nebraska, 4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.

Range and Forage Management/Ecologist

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska, is accepting applications for a Range and Forage Management/Ecologist, a 25% research, 75% extension, 12-month, tenure-leading appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank, located at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center (PHREC), Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Tenure home for this position is the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, with administrative assignment to the PHREC. Rank will be based on experience and credentials of the successful applicant. Focus of this position will be on native rangeland, forage crop and pastureland resource use with emphasis on sustainable use and resource management of semi-arid rangelands, grazing management, complementary forages, and use of geospatial and climate data to monitor and manage rangelands.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop relevant and responsive research and extension programming in rangeland health, ecosystem services and alternative uses of rangelands that would meet the diversity of growing demands placed on western rangelands. Research would include perennial forage crops for limited irrigation, annual forages for integrated cropping systems, and the ecological implication of grazing and sustainable livestock production on rangelands. Extension responsibilities include planning, teaching, conducting and evaluating educational programs designed to help clientele enhance profitability and sustainability of rangeland-based enterprises in Nebraska. The incumbent will be part of multi-disciplinary teams with range, forage, crop, and beef specialties. Maintaining a vigorous program supported through external grants is essential. Expected scholarship includes communication of research results in peer-reviewed journals, at scientific conferences, and supervision of graduate student research.

Requires a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. in place by date of hire in Range Management or Ecology or closely related field.
To review the complete position details and apply for this position, go to: http://employment.unl.edu, search for requisition number F_130085. Click on “Apply to this Job.” Attach a letter of application, a curriculum vitae, and an overview of research and extension experience and interests. Arrange for 3 letters of reference to be sent via e-mail to: sholman1@unl.edu. Review of applications will begin on April 30, 2013 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Dryland Cropping Systems Specialist

The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska, is accepting
applications for a Dryland Cropping Systems Specialist, a 50% research, 50% extension, 12-month,
tenure-leading or tenured appointment at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor rank, located at the
Panhandle Research and Extension Center (PHREC), Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Tenure home for this position
is the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, with administrative assignment to the PHREC. Rank and
tenure will be based on experience and credentials of the successful applicant. If filled at the rank of
Professor, the position is eligible for the endowed Fenster Professorship of Dryland Agriculture. Focus of
this position will be developing and conducting relevant and responsive research and extension programs
for the unique crops and cropping systems of the Central High Plains region and, in particular, the Nebraska
Panhandle.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop a nationally and internationally recognized program in
dryland cropping systems in a semi-arid, High Plains region, with a focus on efficiency, profitability and
environmental management of dryland cropping systems with emphasis on appropriate cropping rotations,
water management, weed control and soil conservation. The incumbent will participate in multidisciplinary
teams in alternative crops, pest and soil management, and livestock grazing programs; maintain
a vigorous program supported through external grants and contracts, publish research results in peerreviewed
journals; and conduct relevant research and extension programs to convey research findings to
clientele.

Requires Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. in place by date of hire, in Agronomy or closely related field.
To review the complete position details and apply for this position, go to: http://employment.unl.edu, search
for requisition number F_130078. Click on “Apply to this Job.” Attach a letter of application, an overview
of research and extension experience and interests, and a curriculum vitae. Arrange for 3 letters of
reference to be sent via e-mail to: sholman1@unl.edu. Review of applications will begin on April 22, 2013
and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Water Resource Management Engineer Specialist

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking applicants for a tenure-leading position to develop a nationally and internationally recognized research and extension program in water resource management in a semi-arid, High Plains region. The program aims of the successful candidate would include a focus on water quantity and quality issues relating to irrigated and rainfed cropping systems as part of a team that features diverse agroecosystems and differences in water availability, soil characteristics and rainfall gradients across the state. The position is to be located at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center (PREC) located at Scottsbluff, NE.

The overall research responsibility is to investigate and develop new methods and / or improve existing methods that will result in effective management and conservation strategies of limited water resources. The appointee will participate and coordinate multi-disciplinary programs involving PREC faculty and staff, other University of Nebraska faculty, faculty from adjacent state universities, regionally and nationally. The incumbent will be expected to develop a forward-thinking, funded, and productive research program valued by critical regional agricultural industries and producers (with a strong focus on local, unique crops and cropping systems), and to work with Natural Resource Districts and other state and federal agencies in western Nebraska including the Bureau of Reclamation. The incumbent is also expected to collaborate on projects related to water management from Wyoming into Nebraska.

The extension education / outreach component of this position will provide research- and scientifically- based educational programs that are problem solving-oriented and quantifiable in terms of impacts, including workshops, demonstration projects, field tours, and training programs to area crop producers on water management in water-limited environments. The appointee must develop an Extension leadership role in limited water resource and irrigation management in collaboration with existing Extension teams focused on this issue. Extension education delivery also includes educational publications, with electronic delivery. When appropriate, the programs will be conducted in collaboration with Extension Educators and will provide technical expertise and assistance to Extension Educators on water resources as well as on a variety of irrigation equipment operations and management. The position thus requires hands-on, practical knowledge of equipment use.

The tenure-home for this position will be the Department of Biological Systems Engineering with administrative assignment to the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, NE. A Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Agricultural Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering or similar field is required. Degree must be completed before employment begins.

To view the complete position details and make application for this position, go to the UNL Employment web site: http://employment.unl.edu. Search for requisition number F_130044 and click on Apply to this job. Attach a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin on March 22, 2013 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

For statewide University of Nebraska employment opportunities, go to: http://employment.unl.edu

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