The precision agriculture specialist position is a joint appointment with 60% research and 40% Extension responsibilities. Research responsibilities include being the lead investigator for developing, implementing, and reporting the outcomes of projects focused on the precision agriculture research program at the Center. Extension responsibilities include developing an innovative Extension program that provides needs assessment, educational program planning and development, delivery of precision agriculture educational material, and program evaluation. The scope of projects addressed within the precision agricultural program remain flexible to allow one to respond to the changes in technologies that are occurring in this discipline. The precision agriculture program will involve investigations that include unmanned aerial systems, soil and crop variability mapping to support variable rate application technologies, and the development of decision support aids. The specialist actively participates in the development and implementation of research projects that investigate this scope of work and then provides educational outreach.

This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities.
• Provide leadership for the development and implementation of research projects and Extension programs that address precision agriculture practices.
• Be a member of a statewide Extension team responsible for providing leadership to create and deliver innovative learning experiences that empower North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other NDSU, regional and national project leaders on joint research.
• Prepare proposals for submission to national, state, and industry RFPs to compete successfully for extramural funding to assist in maintaining program focus.
• Provide analysis, interpretation and report upon outcomes of research program.
• Develop and disseminate current research-based educational materials and programming.
• Interact closely with producers, Extension agents and specialists, regulatory agencies, crop commodity organizations, and livestock organizations.
• Develop and report upon the department’s federal project (CRIS) for precision agriculture.

Minimum Qualifications
• PhD in a precision agriculture, agronomy, soil science, bio-systems engineering or closely related field
• Vision and ability to lead a diverse, relevant and productive research and educational program.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and maintain strong collaborations.
• Working knowledge of crop production systems, field crops and agricultural equipment.
• Documented experience in data handling, coding, and analysis.
• Strong interpersonal and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Experience and understanding of Extension and outreach programming.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with use and analysis of geospatial and remote sensing data.
• Experience with operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems.
• Experience with ARC Map, ARC GIS Pro, and/or other GIS software.
• Experience with field crops and production systems of the Great Plains.
• Documented experience preparing research proposals and obtaining extramural funding.

About NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center

The NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center conducts research and educational programs to enhance the productivity, competitiveness, and diversity of agriculture in central North Dakota. Research effort focuses on dryland and irrigated crop production practices, crop germplasm evaluation and improvement, crop fertility and crop nutrition, soil health and resource improvement, plant disease control and management, evaluation of new agricultural technologies, cropping systems and crop rotation research, crop-livestock nutrient management, integration of crop and livestock production, beef cattle feeding, feedlot management, intensive cow/calf production, growing and finishing traits, carcass data and meat quality, sustainable agriculture practices, foundation seedstocks production, and fruit and berry production. The central location of the Carrington Center is significant in that research programs address research needs representing a significant part of agriculture in North Dakota. The Carrington Research Extension Center is one of seven out-state NDSU Research Extension Centers. The CREC is located near Carrington, a community centrally located about two hours from each of t...he four largest cities in North Dakota. Carrington is a thriving community of approximately 2,500 people in a widely diversified agricultural production region of east central North Dakota. Carrington is a vibrant rural community with progressive schools (K-12), modern medical services (clinic and hospital), and recreation opportunities including hunting, fishing and birding. For further information visit http://www.carringtonnd.com/.

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Connections working at NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center