"Research Technician II (Temporary)"

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.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance and disability programs; 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 equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience.
• 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.

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time:

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week:

40

Job FTE:

1.0

Work Calendar:

Fiscal

Job Category:

Research

Benefits Eligible:

Yes - Limited Benefits

Rate of Pay:

$16.50 - $20.63

Compensation Type:

hourly rate

Grade

3

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level

OC2

Job Family

Research & Lab

Job Function

Research

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies:

1

Expected End Date:

12/19/2025

Contact Information for Candidates

Debankur Sanyal dsamyal@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply:

Resume