Research Aide, Cropping Systems Agronomy - available at University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center

The Research Aide will provide assistance to the PI, Dr. Olga Walsh, as part of the Cropping Systems Agronomy research and extension program, and will conduct field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments focused on plant nutrition, fertilizer, and water use efficiency. Location: University of Idaho, Parma R&E Center, Parma, Idaho.

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First consideration date for receipt of applications is February 10, 2022.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Letter of Qualification

IMPORTANT:  To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” must address EACH of the required qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible.  Information on a resume WILL NOT be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.

Posting Number: SP003222P

Location: Parma, Idaho

Division/College: Col of Agricultural & Life Sciences

Department: Plant Sciences

FLSA Status: Overtime Eligible

Employee Category: Classified

Pay Range: $15.46 per hour or higher depending on experience

Type of Appointment: Fiscal Year

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

JOB DUTIES:

Conduct field/greenhouse/laboratory research and perform extension/outreach activities:

• Assisting in the implementation of experiments in the field, greenhouse and laboratory.  Preparing and implementing field plot plans and assisting with care of field experiments according to treatment structure.
• Driving to various field sites.
• Assisting with seed preparation, planting, plot maintenance, harvest, and grain processing.
• Coordinating field trial work with supervisor and farm manager in terms of irrigation, fertilization, and weed and pest management.
• Collecting soil, plant, water, and gas samples and preparing them for analysis and utilizing laboratory instrumentation to measure samples.
• Keeping organized and up-to-date record of all work activities related to experiments.
• Assisting with proofing documents and reports.
• Assisting in organizing field days, workshops and seminars and other educational extension/outreach events.
• Working on a team that includes growers and agricultural clients.

Presentation of Research Results: Logging and recording data with a high degree of accuracy.

Supervision and Training of Temporary Help:

• Supervising and training temporary employees.  Assigning tasks during their work hours. Training them in the use of basic equipment used for agricultural research and how to work safety.
• Maintaining organized work area, ordering supplies and keeping equipment in working order. 

Required Education: High School Degree or equivalent.

Required Licensures, Certifications or other

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to successfully pass a driver’s record check.
• Idaho Limited Pesticide Applicator’s License or be able to obtain one within six months of hire. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Soil Science or similar area.
• Hands-on research experience through coursework, employment, internships, fellowships or similar educational opportunity.
• At least five years’ experience in managing field crops. 
• Experience in operating farm equipment and knowledge of basic crop production practices.  
• Experience with conducting field studies in fertilizer and water use for improved crop yield and quality. 
• Ability to give full attention to tasks at hand.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a group.  
• Experience with agricultural research methods and techniques. 
• Experience at a University research & extension center.
• Experience with and understanding of Idaho and Northwest US cropping systems.
• Experience with soil-plant-water-gas sampling, preparation, and analytical analyses using various instrumentation.
• Experience with precision agriculture tools such as sensor-based technologies, crop sensors, irrigated crop production systems is highly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and/or otherwise move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work outside for long periods of time under inclement weather conditions.

APPLY HERE