Research Technician I (Maricopa) (Part-Time) (Extended Temporary Employment)

The School of Plant Sciences seeks applications for a part-time Research Technician I. The primary responsibility of the Research Technician will be running field operations such as planting, spraying, and harvesting. This position is to support USDA funded project's tasks focusing on cotton field physiological phenotyping under Semi-Arid Growing Conditions. The individual will also participate in outreach activities like presenting research data during meetings or similar events and publishing research and educational manuscripts. Research duties will include operating farm tool and machinery to conduct trails, collecting soil, water, and plant biomass samples from the field, procuring and organizing research data, performing statistical analyses, and writing brief study reports.

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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• Conduct field research by setting up and maintaining experimental field and greenhouse plots following detailed protocols.
• Operate agricultural equipment and machinery for field preparation.
• Perform routine field operations, including soil sampling, irrigation, fertilization, herbicide application, and weed management according to established procedures. Work is performed under supervision with detailed instructions from project PIs and senior research professionals.
• Maintain accurate records of field and laboratory observations, experimental conditions, and utilize statistical software for data entry, analysis, and visualization, such as Excel, R, or specialized agronomy software. Clear instructions will be provided by the project PIs to carry out these tasks.
• Support project PIs and fellow researchers in outreach and extension activities such as preparing research reports, publications, and presentations, organizing workshops based on collected data, and on-farm demonstrations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong understanding of agronomic and weed management principles, operations and practices.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to drive vehicles to rural and urban field research sites.
• Ability to learn new skills.
• Ability to write reports and scientific manuscripts.
• Motivation to work with agricultural stakeholders.
• Ability to work outside in open fields for extended hours.

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.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• One year of experience in field operations.
• Experience in working with chemicals and electronic instruments.