JVA #25-007 Animal Scientist

About this Position

This position is located in the Cooperative Research, Extension and Educational Services (CREES) department of the Northern Marianas College, and reports to the Dean of CREES. The incumbent is responsible for conducting research and experiments in multiple disciplines including but not limited to breeding and genetics, silvopastoral systems, animal husbandry, animal nutrition, animal health, and pasture management in animal production. The animal scientist will perform research on animal production and advise farmers on best practices in sustainable and profitable livestock production.

The incumbent will conduct research on developing practical strategies for beef, goat, swine, dairy and poultry production. The Scientist will be expected to 1) participate as a team member in conducting on-farm, and CREES center research relating to enhancing the ability of animal producers in the Northern Marianas Islands (Saipan, Tinian, and Rota) and 2) develop original research programs within the context of the overarching study goals of the Research Unit.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from a U.S. Department of Education accredited institution in animal science, dairy science, poultry science; or a closely related field of stud or discipline plus Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in research/extension programs, or livestock production management (preferably in tropical or subtropical regions), and supervising personnel or;
• Doctorate Degree from a U.S. Department of Education accredited institution in animal science, dairy science, poultry science; or a closely related field of study or discipline plus Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in research/extension programs, or livestock production management (preferably in tropical or subtropical regions), and supervising personnel.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have strong computer background including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, and database, preferably Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software applications.
• Able to communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty, ranchers, farmers, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and high attention to detail.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks while maintaining composure under stressful conditions.
• Completes and prioritize tasks accurately and in a timely manner.
• Takes initiative and works both independently and cooperatively in a team environment.
• Must be able to present information in a clear and professional manner.
• Evidence of commitment to collaboration and transparency; and
• Working and applied knowledge of livestock production, ruminant nutrition, grazing systems, general farm practices, animal harvesting, and statistics.
• Knowledge of forage production, agronomy and soil science is also necessary to function successfully in an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of agro-ecology, sustainable agriculture and livestock practices to help develop improved grazing and feeding strategies that will be acceptable to producers.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with agricultural organizations, government agencies, land grant institutions, private and public community organizations, alumni, on-campus constituencies, and the community at large.
• Ability to work in an environment with diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to search for and secure external funding.
• Demonstrates scholarly writings (published papers).
• Contributes and promotes a positive and professional working environment and relationship with the college community and promotes a positive representation of the CREES Department and NMC.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages and provides quality leadership and guidance to Research and Extension faculty and staff in all aspects of the Livestock Research and Extension:
  • Work directly with all livestock farmers and businesses to enhance the livestock industry;
  • Write, prepare, and manage grant proposals for submission to funding agencies to further their research and extension endeavors;
  • Establish research and extension program priorities based on stakeholder input and needs assessments;
  • Develop and implement a 5-year Plan of Work based on USDA-NIFA National goals and stakeholder input;
  • Develop a strong extramurally funded research program that leads to publishing research in peer reviewed journals.
• Conducts research on domestic farm animals.
• Identifies diseases, parasites, and other problems and develop practical solutions.
• Develops efficient ways to produce and process meat, poultry, and eggs.
• Instructs farmers on matters such as how to upgrade housing for animals, reduce mortality and morbidity, handle waste, and increase production.
• Consults with agricultural producers on healthy, safe, and environmentally housing for livestock.
• Creates practical parasite and disease control training programs.
• Develops practical waste control programs.
• Increases the production of animal products.
• Selects animals for breeding.
• Designs and implements animal evaluation for programs for youth and adult livestock producers.
• Investigates and analyzes different management practices.
• Devises more efficient feeding techniques.
• Creates cost-effective feeding programs using local feed materials.
• Researches environmental conditions to determine their effect on the quality and quantity of animal products.
• Investigates and develops best feeding and breeding practices for use at beef, goat, poultry, and swine production.
• Regularly publishes research and extension literature.
• Extensively travels to Tinian and Rota is required which might require the Animal Scientist to spend 1 or more weeks in a month on Tinian and/or Rota.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Essential Functions of the Position

Must be able to frequently operate a computer and other office productivity machinery. The individual in this position will frequently communicate with students and their colleague(s) in order to exchange information in various situations. Occasionally lifts office products and supplies, weighing up to 20 Ibs. The employee may be tasked to work outdoors in the sun and heat, on or around wet surfaces, and other areas exposed to the elements.

Work Environment

The Work Environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment may vary.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm on the closing date.  Deadlines that fall on a non-business day will be extended to the next business day.
 
Employment application forms are available at the Human Resources Office of the College and a pdf.file can be downloaded from our website: http://www.marianas.edu using Adobe Acrobat. Please submit all application materials to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
All post-secondary education degrees must be from a U.S. Department of Education recognized and accredited institution. It is our requirement that degrees be from a U.S.-accredited college or university. Foreign degrees may be accepted when accompanied with a credential evaluation report. A listing of authorized evaluation reports can be obtained at the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) website at http://www.naces.org/
 
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification (I-9) document form upon hire. Police/court clearance will be required upon job offer.