Job Description:
- Position Title: Project Technician, Bioplastic Nursery Container Initiative, part-time
- Department: University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Western Area
- Reports to: Dr. Heidi Kratsch, Western Area Horticulture Specialist, 775-336-0251 or kratschh@unce.unr.edu.
- Term of Employment: June 1, 2012 through November 30, 2012
- Hours and Salary: 8 hours per week; $18.75/hr.
- Project Description: The Bioplastic Nursery Container Initiative is a USDA-SCRI funded project administered as a subaward to University of Nevada Cooperative Extension through Iowa State University. This project seeks to develop and evaluate alternatives to petroleum-based nursery containers to decrease U.S. reliance on petroleum-based products, reduce petroleum-based plastic waste in landfills and to help the Green Industry become “greener.”
- Job Duties:
- Install and maintain a research plot at University of Nevada Main Station Farm for the biodegradation trial of bioplastic container prototypes. This will involve:
- Preparing a 30-ft x 200-ft plot for planting.
- Assembling prototype containers (684 units) into mesh bags with identifying flags.
- Installing assembled units into the plot, using a randomized experimental design.
- Working with the Farm Manager to ensure irrigation (wheel-line) is on schedule, and irrigate the plot by hand if needed.
- Applying herbicides (glyphosate and/or 2,4-D) as needed to control weeds in the plot.
- Collect data on experimental units during the course of the experiment. This will involve:
- Excavating the units from 3 replicate blocks once every 4 weeks.
- Recording the surface area and dry weight of each sample on a data recording form.
- Qualifications: The successful candidate will:
- Have an earned Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Natural Resources or related field.
- Be able to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. and handle small equipment.
- Have experience in safe application of herbicides for weed control.
- Be detail-oriented.
- Be proficient with Word and Excel.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Knowledge of experimental design and statistical methods is helpful but not required.
