"Research Technician II (Maricopa, AZ) (Extended Temporary Employment)"

Position Highlights

The Department of Environmental Sciences, Extension at the University of Arizona seeks applications for the role of Research Technician II. The primary responsibility of this position will be participating in field and laboratory research, measuring various soil, crop, and environmental variables, under general supervision and with instructions provided. Research duties will include collecting soil, water, and plant samples from the field, monitor crop growth in the field, help in fieldwork like irrigation, weed management, collect field based data on soil moisture, crop growth or similar parameters, process samples for analyses, run soil health analyses in the lab, procure and organize research data, and research supplies inventory.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment position.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

Sample collection and field work (protocols will be made available by the supervisory team):

• Collect soil, water, and plant samples from these research plots and process them for analyses. The samples will be collected using tools like soil probe, bottles, ziplock bags, and clippers. The samples will be dried and ground for analyses.
• Assist in irrigation, plot preparation and application of agricultural products in the research plots; compost, biochar, other agricultural products, hydrogel based soil amendments and fertilizers will be applied by hand.
• Monitor crop growth and measure plant variables and help in planting and harvesting of crops.

Assisting in maintaining and monitoring agricultural research plots, data procurement and organization:

• Check irrigation, crop growth, and record plant and soil information on a regular basis. Protocols will be made available by the supervisory team.
• Organize collected data in a spreadsheet and procure them with other project team members.
• Submit all recorded information in a shared folder on Box or OneDrive and provide regular updates to the PI.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Understanding of soil, agricultural and environmental science principles.
• Knowledge of common crops grown in Arizona (Cotton, Alfalfa, Lettuce, Spinach, Pecans, and Wine Grapes).
• Ability to work outside in open fields for extended hours.
• Ability to drive vehicles to rural and urban field research sites.
• Ability to learn new skills.
• Motivation to work with agricultural stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in growing and monitoring field crops in Arizona.
• Experience in fieldwork under extreme heat in the Summer.
• Experience in driving tractors, sprayers.
• Experience with agricultural chemicals like pesticides and herbicides.
• Experience in soil health lab work.