January 27, 2022

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.

APPLY HERE

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.

January 04, 2022

Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in Idaho

 

Hatzenbuehler, P., Wardropper, C., Adjesiwor, A., Ansah, E. O., Burnham, M., de Haro-Martí, Dentzman, K., Findlay, J. R., Glaze Jr., J. B., Hinds, J., Jansen, V., Karl, J., Lamichhane, R., Lew, R., Olsen, N., Powell, M., Running, K., Sagers, J., Schott, L., Walsh, O., and Wilson, B. 2021. Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in Idaho. Idaho Climate-Economy Impacts Assessment. James A. & Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research, University of Idaho. Boise, ID. pp 46

ICEIA main website: https://www.uidaho.edu/president/direct-reports/mcclure-center/iceia 

ICEIA Agriculture website: https://www.uidaho.edu/president/direct-reports/mcclure-center/iceia/agriculture 


The agricultural sector comprises an important part of the Idaho economy, with agriculture and
food and beverage processing accounting for over 18% of total business sales (Idaho State
Department of Agriculture (ISDA), 2020). Conditions in the sector influence the lives of all
Idahoans to at least some degree through provision of food that fuels daily activities. The goal of this report is to describe the economic risks and opportunities for the Idaho agricultural sector in the context of climate change. The report describes current conditions in the Idaho agricultural sector, observed changes in Idaho’s climate and trends in agricultural productivity over the past several decades, projected changes in Idaho’s climate and agricultural productivity for key subsectors, specific effects of the changing climate on key agricultural subsectors as identified in the peer-reviewed research literature, the important linkages between water availability and agricultural sector performance, and existing evidence of adaptation strategy adoption by Idaho farmers.
Given the uncertainty regarding future conditions for the climate, environmental resource policy, agricultural markets, demographics, and general macroeconomic conditions, a numerical estimation of economy-wide variables was not calculated. However, the report provides stakeholders essential information that characterizes the linkages between climate and agricultural production and the risks and opportunities based on their location, current climate conditions, and projections for future climate and water availability. Additionally, many
plausible adaptation strategies that Idaho farmers and ranchers may adopt in response to future changes in climate are provided. Such insights can be used by policymakers and stakeholders to consider potential impacts on their own institutions and businesses and plan appropriate responses. The interactions between adjustments in grower practices in the context of climate change, and especially the effects of such shifts on water availability, will be key to explaining the performance of the Idaho agricultural sector in the decades ahead. 

Wheat Characteristics under Varied Irrigation and Nitrogen


 

  • A strong positive correlation was observed between grain yield and irrigation but not with the N rate. The results suggest that irrigation can be reduced by 25% (medium irrigation) while crops maintain optimal grain yield and grain protein content. This recommendation will help to reduce water usage by 25% during wheat production in semiarid cropping systems.
  • Application of 150 kg N ha-1 (soil residual N plus added fertilizer) is sufficient to optimize the grain yield and protein content of irrigated spring wheat grown in Idaho and Montana. This rate is lower than the currently recommended N rate in each state. Therefore, this recommendation will minimize input costs during wheat production, environmental impacts, and human health concerns.
  • Strong positive correlations of SPAD or NDVI with grain yield suggest the feasibility of using these crop sensors for in-season wheat yield assessment, especially in irrigated cropping systems.