ASCL AGRONOMIST JOB DESCRIPTION
WORK LOCATION
The agronomist will have day to day contact with sugarcane growers and processors in the western and northern sugarcane region. These cane parishes include St. Mary, Iberia, St. Martin, Vermillion, Lafayette, Acadia, St. Landry, Evangeline, Avoyelles and Rapides. Cooperative work with growers and sugarcane researchers will also require travel throughout the Louisiana sugarcane belt.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree (master’s desired) in plant science or related field. Other degree areas may be accepted if combined with sugarcane or other farming experience.
GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION
The agronomist assigned to the western and northern sugarcane region will work with the Louisiana variety development program, help growers by providing important information pertaining to sugarcane culture and cooperate with other scientists working in the industry. These duties include scheduling and independently performing work assignments and accurately completing the research process such as making visual observations and collecting yield data to justify releasing a variety for commercial planting in the Louisiana sugar cane industry. The ability to use personal computers and spreadsheet and statistical software packages commonly used in data collection, analysis, and presentation processes is a must. Skill in keeping exact and detailed records of data obtained from experiments is needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requires physical exertion, such as regular and recurring lifting (40 to 50 lbs.) or walking at a fast pace on uneven terrain or bending under field environments that range from hot to cold and from muddy to dry. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work involves regular and recurring moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g., working outdoors with irritant chemicals or dusty or rainy conditions. The employee is required to use protective equipment such as coats, rain gear (boots and coats), and gloves.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits offered include fully paid medical insurance, 401-K Retirement Plan, and work vehicle provided.
DATE JOB AVAILABLE
Upon completion of the selection process no later than April 30.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications should be submitted by April 10, 2018. Applications should include a letter including the applicant’s interest and qualifications, a resume, transcripts, and names, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three references. Send applications to:
Herman Waguespack, Jr., Senior Agronomist
American Sugar Cane League
P.O. Drawer 938
Thibodaux, LA 70302
(985) 448-3707 office
OUTLINE OF ASCL’S AGRONOMY STAFF ACTIVITIES
- SUGARCANE VARIETY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
- Conduct experimental variety seed increase program.
- Ability to identify differences in varieties based on small phenotypic and taxonomic differences.
- Supervise primary seed increase stations including planting, rogueing and seed distribution.
- Supervise secondary seed increase stations including rogueing, evaluation and sale of cane seed.
- Participate in the outfield variety test program with LSU and USDA at test locations.
- Participate in the planting, evaluation and harvesting of the individual tests.
- Assist in scheduling tests. Daily contact with growers makes for efficient scheduling.
- Assist with the data calculation and preparation of experimental results.
- Share in the presentation of variety results at various meetings.
- Monitor diseases and insects in advanced varieties on seed increase stations as well as in variety tests.
- Participate in the evaluation and selection of varieties in the infield testing stage.
- Participate in the variety advancement committee in deciding which varieties have potential for the sugar industry and therefore should be continued in the testing program.
- GROWER CONSULTATION.
1. Provide answers to specific questions from growers either by direct answer or by inquiries to other scientists.
- Discuss specific research with growers.
- Make specific variety recommendations on an individual grower basis.
- Conduct field examinations to identify varieties, monitor cane pest infestations (diseases, insects, weeds), evaluate planting, harvesting and loading techniques, evaluate cane quality at the factories, and evaluate machinery modifications.
- COOPERATIVE RESEARCH WITH OTHER SCIENTISTS.
- Conduct research in cooperation with other scientists.
- Bring potential research problems from industry members to other scientists.
- Discuss and give guidance on research, extension and education at various advisory committees, League committees and in regular personal contacts.
- Conduct research on applied research problems brought forward by industry members.
- OTHER ACTIVITIES.
- Participate and make presentations to various grower meetings, scientific meetings, field days, extension training meetings, consultants groups, and local and national advisory committees.
- Be prepared to discuss all other League activities with growers and processors; including member relations, state and national legislative news, PAC, and the advertising campaign. Visits with County Agents. Prepare articles for the Sugar Bulletin. Serving as a member of the Agribusiness Committee, ASSCT, and various other professional organizations.
