"Outreach and Research Project Assistant, Research Support 2"

Position Summary

Assist project leader in performing research and outreach duties, including the setup and operation of composting demonstration units and air emission control devices; collection of compost, soil, crops, feed, manure, milk, and air quality samples; assist with ongoing and future environmental and dairy production studies and outreach activities. Duties also include developing Extension exhibits, collecting, computing, and processing research data, creating posters, presentations, and brochures, and delivering presentations. Individual will be required to drive between the various dairies and Extension Centers. Training will be provided on specific environmental sampling techniques, safety, and operation of computer analysis programs.

https://www.uidaho.edu/idaho-ag-experiment-station/centers/kimberly

Responsibilities

Job Duty Function: Assist project leader with research functions by:

• Assist with research projects related to composting, soil health, manure treatment, and crop studies
• Collect compost, soil, crop, manure, feed, milk, and air quality samples from dairies and other agricultural sites
• Operate and maintain a composting demonstration unit and crop research plots
• Retrieve and monitor air, soil, and water quality data using various sensors and equipment
• Manage sampling equipment, environmental sensors, harvesting tools, and research software
• Tabulate, organize, and prepare research data for analysis
• Create tables, graphs, and reports to summarize and present study findings
• Support multiple ongoing studies by contributing to data collection, equipment setup, and field/lab tasks

Percentage Of Time: 50% Essential/Marginal: Essential

Job Duty Function: Assist project leader with outreach functions by:

• Assist in developing Extension exhibits, including setting up composting systems, crop displays, greenhouse setups, and data-driven demonstrations
• Retrieve and analyze data from demonstration displays to support field days and outreach events
• Set up and operate microscopes, monitoring tools, and measurement equipment to showcase research methods and findings
• Create educational materials such as posters, brochures, and informational displays for outreach activities
• Support and participate in presentations at fairs, community meetings, and Extension events
• Operate video recording equipment and assist in producing Extension videos and web-based educational content
• Deliver presentations on outreach and research topics in collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI)
• Contribute to the development and delivery of public education programs based on current research projects

Percentage Of Time: 40% Essential/Marginal: Essential

Job Duty Function: Contribute to team efforts by:

• Performing related duties on research and outreach programs with project collaborators as assigned.

Percentage Of Time: 10% Essential/Marginal: Marginal

Position Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Employee must be able to travel to multiple worksites. A university vehicle may be available, which would require a valid drivers license. If a personal vehicle is used, mileage may be reimbursed at a pre-determined rate.
• Education and/or work experience in education, outreach, or research settings.
• Experience operating desktop and laptop computers.
• Willingness to learn the operation of research sampling equipment.
• Experience working both independently and in group environments.
• Demonstrated adherence to safety protocols in field, laboratory, and office settings.
• Experience with data collection, data entry, and data analysis.
• Experience communicating with individuals from various agricultural backgrounds, including dairy and crop producers.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with environmental and animal science terminology.
• Experience operating tractors, harvesters, and composting or other agricultural machinery.
• Experience collecting and analyzing environmental or agricultural samples.
• Experience working with or around large animals.
• Experience presenting information to audiences in agricultural, academic, or public settings.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, writing, and proofreading documents in English.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Physical ability to: manipulate environmental quality equipment and materials; bend, stoop, and carry heavy objects of up to 60 pounds.