Job Description
All Job Postings will close at 12:01a.m. CST (1:01a.m. EST) on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application progress will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page. Job Posting Title: Research Associate Specialist (Horticulturalist Assistant)
Position Type: Other Academic
Department: LSUAG Vice Presidents Office - Botanic Gardens (Chase Breitenbach (00069089))
Work Location: Burden Ione Conference Center
Pay Grade: Other Academic
Job Description: Work Location: LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden, Baton Rouge, LA.
Position Description: This position will report to the Horticultural Tree Specialist (arborist). The Burden Woods, adjoining wetlands, meadows, and Barton Arboretum serve as an outdoor laboratory and classroom for hands-on learning experiences, self-guided learning, research and demonstration. The RA will assist with growing and planting new trees and maintaining the mature trees in the gardens, arboretum and woodlands. This position is responsible for assisting with, identifying, and caring for the needs of all major and ornamental trees to assure proper form and optimum health. This position will assist faculty, staff and students with research projects studying the ecology of urban forests, wetlands, and meadows. This may include the development and implementation of research and educational programs that include the environmental and ecological aspects of these areas.
Qualification Requirements: A bachelor's in plant sciences, horticulture, forestry or related discipline from an accredited college or university is required. Another degree may be accepted with experience or education related to job duties. Licensure as a Chemical Applicator and Arborist is expected to be obtained within one year of employment and maintained through proper testing, licensing, and ongoing professional course work. Must have a Louisiana State driver's license or be able to obtain license within six months after start date.
This applicant must be capable of safe equipment and maintenance operations with tractors, track loaders, gators, dump trucks, dump trailers, and aerial lifts. Should also be coherent in small engine maintenance and operation such as chain saws, pole saws, blowers, and heavy-duty weed eaters. Must be familiar with arborist gear such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), ropes, saddles, rigging gear, mechanical advantage systems, etc. The applicant is expected to follow ANSI Z133 and OSHA standards when performing any type of tree-related work. This position requires you to follow all general safety guidelines in daily work duties. This applicant must be able to work in the outdoor elements and lift to a maximum of fifty pounds. This position will be expected to work some special events and work some nights and weekends.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Current benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.
Application Deadline: October 25, 2024 or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure : Apply online at (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching files containing a letter of application, curriculum vita, official university transcripts, and three letters of reference. Paper, faxed or e-mailed application materials will not be accepted, except that in lieu of attaching the reference letters online, they may be sent directly to:
Chase Breitenbach
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens
4560 Essen Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Phone : 225-763-3990
Fax : 225-763-3993
E-mail: cbreitenbach @agcenter.lsu.edu
Web Site:
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. An Equal Opportunity Employer
Additional Job Description: Competencies: None
Special Instructions: Posting Date: September 25, 2024
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): Additional Position Information: Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
Essential Position (Y/N): About the LSU Agricultural Center: The LSU AgCenter, is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 "on campus" academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish. For more information, visit the AgCenter's website at
The LSU Agricultural Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and SAME Agency: The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. The AgCenter is committed to fostering an environment of inclusion, respect, and appreciation of differences in individuals. The AgCenter is also designated as a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency and provides assistance to persons needing accommodations or with the accessibility of materials.
HCM Contact Information: Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed HRMHelp@agcenter.lsu.edu. Louisiana State University
Job Tags
Holiday work, Christmas work, Outdoor, Flexible hours, Night shift, Weekend work,