Job Description

Job Summary
This is a one-year limited term position. Continuation of employment will be based on availability of funds.

The Department of Horticulture at Auburn University is seeking an Agriculture Technician to provide assistance with research activities related to greenhouse gas emissions.

About Auburn: At Auburn, our work changes lives. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a premier public institution, Auburn University is dedicated to shaping the future of the people of Alabama, the nation, and the world through forward-thinking education, life-enhancing research, scholarship and selfless service. Auburn is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, community outreach, positive work environment, student engagement, and thriving community.

It’s a Lifestyle: The Auburn/Opelika area is a page right out of Southern Living magazine with an idyllic small-town feel, perfecting a unique balance between a close-knit community and driving consistent growth and development. Paralleling the exponential growth of Auburn University, the Auburn/Opelika area boasts services and amenities that cater to any interest. We’re proud of our top school systems, city services, award-winning restaurants, and the infectious spirit of life in a college town. You can find us nestled halfway between the beach and the mountains in a lower-cost-of-living area, two hours outside of Atlanta or Birmingham. If you’re new to Auburn, we’d love to introduce you. If you’re already acquainted with Auburn, we’ll keep it simple: it’s time to come home!

Why employees choose Auburn: Auburn University was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the state of Alabama’s best employers, with employees staying an average of ten years. Employees enjoy competitive benefits that include top-notch health insurance, generous retirement plans, tuition assistance for employees and dependents, flexible spending accounts and more! Learn more about Auburn’s impact, generous employee benefits, and thriving community by visiting aub.ie/working-at-auburn.
Essential Functions
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
Operate general and specialized field equipment, including but not limited to: soil core sampling equipment, seed threshers, plant chippers, tractors, fork lifts, time domain reflectometers, lysimeters, temperature/humidity data loggers, portable photosynthesis system, rainfall simulation equipment, and stem flow gauges.
Assist in field trials/data collection with a Mobile Inelastic Neutron Scattering System.
Perform soil trace gas efflux techniques for sample analysis via gas chromatography.
Assist scientists in studies on how increasing atmospheric CO2 is impacting crop and pasture production and management.
Regularly use wood and machine shop tools to fabricate parts for ongoing research. Tools include but are not limited to: various wood and metal saws, manual milling machines, manual lathes, various welding machines and plasma cutters, and a variety of precision measuring devices including caliper gauges, micrometers, depth gauges, and dial indicators. Additional equipment may include: saws (table saw, band saws etc), hand drills, drill presses, routers, sanders, bench grinders, sheet metal benders/shears, tap/die equipment, lathes, and overhead hoists.
Collect field data and prepare samples for analysis using standard laboratory equipment such as drying ovens, grinders, and weighing balances.
Assist in construction and maintenance of open-top chamber systems used to create controlled atmospheric CO2 environments in the field. The system consists of plenum fan boxes, aluminum frames, and transparent PVC film covers. Also maintains associated liquid CO2 receiver tank, gas dispensing and sampling manifolds, and associated computer control devices and gas detection hardware.
Perform other duties as necessary and assigned by supervisor.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Level I: High school diploma or equivalent; no experience required.
Level II: High school diploma or equivalent plus 1 year of experience relevant to the position.
Level III: High school diploma or equivalent plus 4 years of experience relevant to the position.
Level IV: High school diploma or equivalent plus 6 years of experience relevant to the position.

Substitutions allowed for Experience:
When a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.

Licensure Requirements:
Possession of a valid drivers license.