Research Assistant – Horticultural Sciences

About the role

The Research Assistant will support the Horticultural Sciences department at Texas A&M AgriLife by managing a pecan orchard, operating irrigation systems, and conducting field research. This onsite position combines hands‑on farm work with data collection to advance orchard productivity and sustainability.

Key responsibilities

• Operate farm equipment for orchard floor maintenance and assist with nut harvest (50%).
• Manage canal/flood irrigation infrastructure in coordination with local water districts (15%).
• Apply pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and fertilizers according to Integrated Pest Management plans (15%).
• Perform field ratings of pest presence, disease severity, phenology, and collect leaf tissue/nut samples (10%).
• Maintain tractors, shakers, mowers, hand‑tools, and related implements (5%).
• Carry out additional duties as assigned (5%).

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Soil & Crop Science, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience operating farm machinery or applying agricultural chemicals.
• Ability to obtain a Texas Non‑commercial Political Subdivision (NCPS) Pesticide Applicator License within three months of start date.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

Required skills

• Farm machinery operation (tractor, shakers, mowers).
• Pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer application.
• Irrigation system operation and maintenance.
• Equipment maintenance and repair.
• Accurate record‑keeping of chemical applications, labor hours, and crop yields.

What we offer

• Competitive monthly salary of $3,750.
• Opportunity to work within a leading agricultural research institution.
• Professional development in orchard management and integrated pest management.