Research Associate I

Position Function:

Serves as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) for flight operations of numerous large Unmanned Aerial Application Systems (UAAS), all weighing over 55 lbs., in support of agricultural research projects under supervision of the Agricultural Autonomy Institute (AAI) Director and Associate Director. Serves in additional flight crew roles (e.g., Visual Observer, Mission Coordinator, Trainer) as needed to support research objectives and/or facilitate training of additional flight crew personnel. Conducts thorough mission planning, research data collection, and operational coordination for UAAS flight operations. Provides UAAS training to internal and external stakeholders in support of program objectives. Oversees UAAS fleet management and performs maintenance of UAAS to ensure continuous airworthiness and operational safety. Performs maintenance of additional equipment including trucks, trailers, generators, tanks, spreaders, sprayers, and other equipment to ensure continuous safety and operational reliability. Responsible for purchase, transport, mixing, aerial application, storage, and proper disposal of agricultural products consistent with university policy and all Federal and State regulations. Maintains all documentation and records for Federal and State regulatory compliance. Assists in the conduct of research and the development of educational and training materials focused on the safe operation and successful utilization of UAAS technologies. Performs related duties as assigned.

Salary Grade:  13

Please see Staff Compensation Structure for salary ranges.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Plan, coordinate, and safely execute UAAS operations with a variety of UAAS platforms weighing over 55 lbs.
2. Prioritize and demonstrate operational safety in all efforts, activities, and decisions.
3. Work in close, frequent collaboration with university faculty, staff, and students to ensure alignment of UAAS flight operations with specific research objectives, and to conduct high-quality research in support of these objectives.
4. Oversee UAS fleet management including maintenance of all UAAS platforms as needed to ensure continuous safety, airworthiness, operational performance, and longevity.
5. Perform maintenance on additional equipment and components to ensure safety, reliability, and operational performance. Additional equipment and components may include, but are not limited to, items as small as spray nozzles and as large as multi-axle cargo trailers.
6. Purchase, transport, mix, apply, store, and properly dispose of a wide variety of agricultural products consistent with university policies and all Federal and State regulations.
7. Understand and comply with all relevant university policies and Federal and State regulations governing UAAS/UAS and aerial applications of agricultural products.
8. Understand and explicitly comply with all EPA agricultural product label instructions, requirements, and restrictions.
9. Maintain accurate, organized records and documentation as required for Federal and State regulatory compliance, and to support internal reviews, reporting, and continuous improvement.
10. Proactively anticipate, monitor, and plan for shifting work priorities and schedule variations throughout the agricultural season. A major consideration in this area is changing weather conditions.
11. Assist in the development and dissemination of UAAS training and certification materials including academic curriculum and education/extension papers.
12. Establish strong relationships with UAAS manufacturers and technicians for technical support and troubleshooting as needed.
13. Establish strong relationships with commercial growers, agricultural industry professionals, and wide variety of MSU researchers to understand real-world agricultural challenges and investigate viability of UAAS solutions.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Technology, and Business or closely related field
- Current FAA CFR Part 107 Certificate
- Current FAA Medical Certificate Third-Class
- NAAA Self-Regulating Application & Flight Efficiency (S.A.F.E.) Analyst Training Certificate
- Minimum 1-year documented experience as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) of at least 2 large UAAS platforms weighing over 55 lbs.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

- Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Technology, and Business or closely related field
- MDAC BPI Applicator’s License and/or Pilot’s License
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Strong oral and written communication skills including organized email communication.
- Strong organizational skills including task prioritization and coordination.
- Basic computing skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent.
- Basic mathematics and data-analysis skills.
- Skills in operation of agricultural and other equipment such as tractors, harvesting equipment, and forklifts.
- Skills in operating UAAS weighing over 55 lbs.
- Ability to plan, coordinate, and safely execute flight operations with a variety of UAAS weighing over 55 lbs. for aerial applications of agricultural products.
- Ability to maintain current FAA CFR Part 107 Certification.
- Ability to maintain current FAA Medical Certificate Third-Class.
- Ability to obtain additional FAA Certification(s) and/or Medical Certificate(s) as needed for future UAAS operations.
- Knowledge of relevant Federal Aviation Regulations governing UAAS operations.
- Knowledge of basic agricultural practices and common agricultural products. Knowledge of and experience in agricultural applications and associated best practices, equipment, and safety strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of relevant EPA regulations governing aerial applications of agricultural products.
- Ability to obtain MDAC BPI Aerial Applicator’s License and/or Aerial Pilot’s License as needed for future UAAS operations.
- Knowledge and operational experience with Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) is welcome and beneficial but less critical to this position than first-hand knowledge and operational experience with UAAS weighing over 55 lbs.
- Ability to safely handle, transport, mix, apply, store, and properly dispose of agricultural products.
- Ability to read and explicitly follow EPA agricultural product labels.
- Knowledge and skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly for agricultural datasets. ESRI ArcGIS Pro experience preferred.
- Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) as needed for future operations.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop collaborative relationships with industry partners, commercial growers, agricultural professionals, and academic researchers with a wide variety of agricultural expertise.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to safely work for multiple consecutive full-length working days outdoors in remote agricultural environments. 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Frequent, year-round outdoor activities for all manner of field work including, but not limited to, agricultural scouting, flight operations, and data collection. Frequent deadlines and urgent priorities subject to change and difficult to anticipate due to weather impacts on agricultural practices. Job requires safe, responsible handling of agricultural products consistent with university policy and all Federal and State regulations. Job requires frequent lifting up to 50 lbs. Applicant will be required to maintain current FAA Medical Certificate Third-Class.

Instructions for Applying:

All applicants must apply online at http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, current resume, or curriculum vitae and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.