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

The department of Environmental Sciences, Extension of the University of Arizona seeks to fill 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 (ETE) position.

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

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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.
• Submit all recorded information in a shared folder on Box or OneDrive and provide regular updates to the PI.
• Organize collected data in a spreadsheet and procure them with other project team members.

Soil, plant, and water sample processing, organizing, and testing in the lab:

• Grind and sieve all collected soil and plant samples.
• Run or assist in running soil tests.
• Cleaning and organizing processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's)

• Knowledge of common crops grown in Arizona (Cotton, Alfalfa, Lettuce, Spinach, Vegetables, Wheat, 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.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Three years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Demonstrated experience in growing or maintaining research plots with field crops (cotton, alfalfa, lettuce) in Arizona.
• Demonstrated experience in working in a wet chemistry or biology lab.
• Demonstrated experience in driving farm vehicles, machineries and equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in working with chemicals (pesticide, herbicide, biofertilizers), and electronic instruments.
• Understanding of soil, agricultural and environmental science principles.