Research Professional I (Field Agronomist)

A Research Professional I - field agronomist position is available at the University of Arizona’s Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC) located in Maricopa, Arizona. The successful candidate will be responsible for management of crop research projects and participation in their planning and design. The focus of these projects is understanding crop genetics as related to heat and drought stress. The projects span multiple crop types as well as cropping seasons. The successful candidate will be able to work with a multitude of crops (research program has worked with over 10 including sorghum, cotton, lettuce, hemp).

The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of research crop management. This will encompass the use of new and emerging technologies to measure crop performance including UAVs, handheld instruments, and helping with the world’s largest plant phenotyping robot (please see story by the Wall Street Journal: https://tinyurl.com/2tnhbtxa). Arizona provides a unique and challenging growing environment, from extreme temperatures to alkaline soils, therefore we are seeking a candidate that can apply agronomic theory in an applied setting while doing so with scientific rigor. This position will operate with very limited oversight so a candidate with self-direction will be essential. The position will require strong interpersonal and communication skills as the candidate will be working closely with a diverse group of research scientists, technicians, undergraduate/graduate students, farm managers and workers. The candidate will lead and coordinate the work of other research staff.

This position is located at the University of Arizona Maricopa Ag Center, 30 miles south of the suburbs of Phoenix. Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, life insurance and disability programs; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here .

Employee COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement
All University employees are required to submit documentation demonstrating they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment unless granted a religious or disability/medical accommodation. New hires must submit their COVID-19 vaccine documentation or accommodation request no later than one week after their hire date or by January 4, 2022, whichever occurs later. To learn more about the employee COVID-19 vaccine requirement, submitting vaccine documentation, and/or requesting an accommodation, please visit https://hr.arizona.edu/content/employee-covid-19-vaccine-requirement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Help plan, design, and lead complex field trials in accordance with project goals and outcomes to achieve the best data possible with minimal supervision. This will include but is not limited to:
• Sample soil and plant tissue and submit for nutrient analysis as a guide for fertilizer and soil amendment application to ensure optimum crop growth. This includes planning and developing crop nutrient plans in consultation with experts and using granular as well as liquid fertilizer applications and others as needed.
• Operation of machinery as needed to complete field tasks. Must be comfortable operating or learning to operate machinery used for agricultural field plot research in a safe and efficient manner.
• Irrigation scheduling and application using flood, sprinkler, subsurface drip and other methods as dictated by crop type and research objectives. Irrigations will be based on measurement of soil volumetric water content using neutron probe or other instruments. Experts may be consulted for irrigation management.
• Scout fields to identify weeds, pathogens, and insects, and in consultation with experts, develop chemical or cultural mitigation strategies to address pest problems. The chemical strategies may involve various tools such as conventional sprayers as well as UAV-based aerial applications of agrochemicals.
• Collection of crop physiological data using a variety of instruments such as handheld chlorophyll concentration meters, chlorophyll fluorescence meters, leaf gas exchange analyzers, etc.
• Summarizing collected field data for the preparation of reports to stakeholders as well as contributing to the preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Organizing, supervising, and training temporary employees ensuring that priorities are set, and that work is performed safely, accurately and efficiently.
• Adapting new technology for use within plant science research as well as developing and establishing proficiency with new computer software related to the overall research efforts.
• Integrating multiple priorities and work activities to successfully meet project and seasonal deadlines in an efficient manner.
• Be able to carry out physical tasks associated with field research including working outside during summer months (temperatures >100°F), ability to lift 50 pounds, and completing repetitive tasks.
• Additional duties may be assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of standard crop production practices including tillage, planting, pest/fertility management, and harvesting. Knowledge of irrigation management is not essential but desirable.
• Understanding of no-till/conservation practices as well as regenerative agriculture.
• Ability to write reports summarizing field research procedures and results.
• Ability to set up and use electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, research instruments to collect and record data.
• Knowledge of the principals, theories, and techniques of crop production.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift and move/transport up to 50 pounds

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors in Agronomy or closely related discipline
• Minimum 1 year of relevant work experience
• Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy: http://risk.arizona.edu/sites/risk/files/fleetsafetypolicy.pdf.