Forages Field Technician

JOB SUMMARY:

In support of the USDA-funded project Dr. Liliane Silva at Clemson University seeks highly motivated candidates for a Forages Field Technician position to work on a multi-disciplinary team that will evaluate forage-livestock systems through forage soil and greenhouse gas data collection and sampling in South Carolina. The Field Technician will lead the measurement of soil greenhouse gas fluxes using an automated multi-chamber LICOR system and smart-chambers. Additionally the technician will support Silvas research and Extension program directly. The position is based out of the Edisto Research and Education Center in Blackville SC but involves frequent travel within South Carolina and interaction with producer collaborating in multiple research efforts. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and eager to learn adopt and implement techniques as needed; has ability to plan manage lead and communicate tasks/results across groups; collect analyze and interpret data; meet the deadlines as required by the supervisor and project (s); communicates clearly is well organized centered has strong work ethics dedicated; able to follow instructions as assigned and follow through on tasks. Some prior experience with flux measurement and data loggers is preferred but not required since training will be provided.

JOB DUTIES:

10% - Land preparation and assigned duties to plant cultivate and harvest crops utilized as feed for livestock. Build repair and provide maintenance for permanent or temporary electric fencing utilized on research areas for research projects. Performs routine health checks and monitors status supports care and handling of livestock under research projects under the forage-livestock systems program. Acquires the proper training and adheres to the established IACUC guidelines and requirements for the use of livestock in research projects to guarantee adequate work development and data collection. Thus acquires training for pesticide application and any other required training as assigned by supervisor. 35% - Equipment data collection use transportation and maintenance: Transport of the LICOR system to farms at weekly intervals assembly basic troubleshooting data collection and initial data processing. Additionally acquires proper training to utilize basic and specific forage research equipment and provides leadership to their utilization and adheres to the maintenance schedules and provide leadership on proper use maintenance transportation storage and guarantees the proper functioning of all equipment under the forage-livestock program. Transports equipment to off-site research locations when necessary to conduct research projects. Additional duties may be assigned. 35% - Assist and support forage-livestock research projects: Activities will include but are not limited to plot preparation pasture planting establishment and grazing beef cattle handling mowing herbicide application among others. Laboratory work including collecting weighing grinding and processing forage and soil samples. Additionally sample preparation for analysis data entry and collecting various samples such as forage soil manure and cattle weights. Support and assist the work conducted by the supervisor graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at the research station and on-farm research sites. 10% - Support for data collection and educational activities: supports and collects data data entry and processing responsibilities as directed by project leader (s). Assist with the organization of workshops and educational activities. Provides proper communication with supervisor and others and works with supervisor postdocs graduate students and others who may be developing research under the forage-livestock systems program. Additional duties may be assigned. 10% - Facility and equipment routine cleanness and maintenance: repairs clean shared spaces routinely and provides regular basic maintenance and proper organization to equipment (e.g. drill harvester etc) facilities (e.g. field lab clean lab) and organization and storage of forage and soil samples. Organizes and maintain properly storage of seed and fertilizer and shared spaces for sample processing. Oversees and communicates storage maintenance and product needs. Oversees and conduct routine checks of experimental area infrastructure (e.g. fencing). Additional duties may be assigned.

JOB CODE:

LA25

EMPLOYEE TYPE:

Time-Limited (TLP) Staff

Minimum Requirements:

A bachelors degree in animal husbandry agriculture or a related field and work experience that is directly related to the area of employment. Work experience that is directly related to the area of employment may be substituted for the bachelors degree on a year-for-year basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

JOB KNOWLEDGE

Fundamental working knowledge of concepts practices and procedures and ability to apply in varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Not responsible for supervising employees.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fiscal Responsibilities: Fiscal responsibilities for the departments budget including but not limited to financial planning and managing fund allocation

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Stand for Prolonged Period: % Move transport raise or lower 50 lbs or more: % Walk or move about: % Communicate converse give direction express oneself: % Position self to accomplish task (i.e. stoop kneel crawl): % Use hands or feet to operate or handle machinery equipment etc.: % Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period: % Extends hands or arms in any direction: % Recognize or inspect visually: % Ascend or descend (i.e. stairs ladder): % Perceive observe clarity of vision: % Move transport raise or lower 30lbs or less: %

WORKING CONDITIONS:

None: %

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hours:

37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

Expected Salary Range

-

Salary is dependent upon several factors including but not limited to a candidates previous experience knowledge skills and performance in accordance with Clemsons compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL:

Normal Operations - Required to follow emergency facility closure and modified operations directives and not normally expected to work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Blackville SC

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

October 21 2026

MILITARY AND VETERAN:

Military Equivalency: Clemson University is proud to allow educational equivalency for military technical certifications and trainings that directly relate to the job duties.

Veteran Preference: South Carolina provides employment preference to eligible veterans for qualifying full-time permanent positions. To be considered applicants must meet the minimum qualifications have been discharged under honorable conditions and indicate their veteran status in the application by uploading a DD-214 for confidential review. A request for Veteran Preference can be made via the application process. Please contact with any questions or issues.

CLOSING STATEMENT:

Clemson University is an EEO/AA employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to characteristics protected by applicable law including disability and protected veteran status.