Agriculture Worker I (Maricopa, AZ) (Part-Time) (Extended Temporary Employment)

The Department of Biosystems Engineering of the University of Arizona seeks to fill the role of Agriculture Worker I. This position involves routine work in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory to support environmental stresses research in cotton and small grains. Key responsibilities following prescribed processes include maintaining field plots at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agriculture Center and Arizona farms, using sensors and devices such as the neutron moisture meter, and maintaining greenhouse experiments for stress response. Additional responsibilities include measuring physiological traits on cotton and small grains, preparing and analyzing samples in the greenhouse and lab, summarizing data, and organizing events to share research findings with the farming community.

The research of the Department of Biosystems Engineering spans laboratories, controlled growth environments and field settings, leading to discoveries that drive the development of efficient, sustainable agricultural practices. Whether for traditional farming or controlled environments, our work optimizes resource use while safeguarding both ecological and human health. From optimizing growth conditions in controlled environment agriculture, to finding renewable fuel and feed sources, to developing advanced biosensors, we seek sustainable solutions to feed a growing world population in the face of a changing climate.

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; state and optional retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Routine field experiments: Planting cotton and small grains populations, collecting plant measurements that include height, biomass, physiological, and agronomic traits, harvesting, ginning cotton seeds, threshing small grains seeds, and organizing cotton lent and seed samples.
• Data collection and field maintenance: Collect soil moisture data using neutron meters and sensors per prescribed processes. Perform other routine tasks such as weeding and general upkeep to maintain experimental crops.
• Greenhouse experiments: Planting cotton and small grains populations in pots, irrigating and fertilizing plants, maintaining greenhouse conditions, measuring plants for various physiological traits, per prescribed processes.
• Lab analysis: Prepare and test plants and assess seeds measurements.
• Extension event assistance: Help organize and run events to share research findings with the farming community.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow protocols accurately are essential for maintaining accurate records and supporting research objectives.

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

• Prior experience in agricultural research.