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

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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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.

• 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.

• 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.