Research Technician II (Solomon, AZ)

The Research Technician will participate in a wide range of agricultural research activities, including but not limited to planting, data collection, field mapping, counting, tagging, ginning, harvesting, trimming, and spraying various crops, including cotton, wheat, corn, and other commodities as research needs dictate. Incumbents are expected to perform these duties with moderate supervision while maintaining accuracy and adherence to established research protocols. The incumbent must be proficient in the use of computer applications and mobile technologies, such as tablets, to support data collection, recordkeeping, and other day-to-day research and administrative responsibilities.

This position is based in Graham County, Arizona, a region known for its rich agricultural heritage and diverse crop production. Additional information about Graham County and local Cooperative Extension programs can be found at: https://extension.arizona.edu/local-offices/graham-county.

Travel within Arizona, including overnight travel, is required for this position.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this 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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• Prepare needed
  equipment and supplies for planting activities for initiation and establishment
  of field research trials.
• This includes acquisition of seeds, prepping seed
  packets, organizing seed trays, prepping materials for transport, and traveling
  to remote locations for planting activities.
• Prepare needed
  equipment and supplies for harvesting activities for completion of field
  research trials. This includes prepping weighing equipment, prepping harvest
  sampling labels, organizing and obtaining sampling supplies, prepping materials
  for transport, traveling to remote locations for harvesting activities.
• Collection of
  field data related to research protocol. This data may include early season
  stand establishment, mid-season crop growth and development, end of season crop
  performance summary data, and collection of any required soil and plant tissue
  samples. Collection of data includes entering data into appropriate electronic
  formats including Excel, SAS,
  etc.
• Process yield
  samples collected at harvest from various trials. This includes ginning seed
  cotton samples, weighing and counting grain harvest samples, grinding and
  prepping forage samples all for sample analysis.
• Prepare and
  ship any samples that require analysis by outside sources.
• Assist in
  preparing and setting up for any Extension education meetings, field days,
  seminars, etc. This may include preparing copies of handouts, setting out field
  day signs, prepping tables and chairs, setting up canopies, obtaining food and
  drinks, etc.

Knowledge,
Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to
  communicate effectively with different groups/individuals.
• Ability to
  follow established research protocols and procedures while maintaining accuracy
  and attention to detail.
• Ability to work
  independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Ability to
  safely operate agricultural vehicles, tractors, implements, and other field
  equipment.
• Ability to
  travel to research sites and perform work in remote or rural locations when
  required.

Physical
Requirements:

• Ability to
  occasionally lift, move, and transport a maximum of 60 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Ability to perform research duties in various
  elements such as heat, dust, cold, rain, etc., and withstand being in the
  elements for several hours at a time.

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 (3) 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.

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or a related discipline.
• Have or be able to obtain a Class A CDL.