Soil and Agronomy Research Technician; Part Time; Temporary; Maricopa, AZ

Soil and Agronomy Research Technician (Part Time) (Temporary)

The Department of Environmental Sciences
- Extension at the University of Arizona seeks to fill the role of Soil and Agronomy Research Technician. The primary responsibility of this position is to participate in field and laboratory research by measuring various soil, crop, and environmental variables under general supervision and with instructions provided.

Research duties include collecting soil, water, and plant samples from the field; monitoring crop growth in the field; assisting in fieldwork such as irrigation and weed management; collecting field-based data on soil moisture, crop growth or similar parameters; processing samples for analysis; conduct statistical analyses; organizing research data; and maintaining research supply inventories.

This position will last until 12/18/2026 with a possible extension contingent upon work performance and funding. 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!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona, please visit the provided link.

Duties & Responsibilities
- Sample Collection and Fieldwork (Protocols Will Be Made Available by the Supervisory Team):

• Collect soil, water, and plant samples from research plots and process them for analysis.
• Assist with irrigation, plot preparation and application of agricultural products in the research plots.
• Monitor crop growth, measure plant variables, and participate in the planting and harvesting of crops.
• Submit all recorded information in a shared folder on Box or One Drive and provide regular updates to supervisors.
• Organize collected data in a spreadsheet and share it with other project team members.

Soil, Plant, and Water Sample Processing, Organization, and Laboratory Testing:

• Grind and sieve all collected soil and plant samples.
• Conduct or assist with soil testing.
• Clean and organize laboratory supplies and consumables.

Extension and Outreach Programs:

• Assist in organizing extension and outreach events such as workshops, trainings, field demonstrations, and field days.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Understanding of data organization and management.
• Ability to work outdoors in open fields for extended periods.
• Ability to drive vehicles to rural and urban field research sites.
• Ability to learn new skills.
• Motivation to work with agricultural stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience working with organized research projects.

FLSA
- Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time
- Part Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week - 20

Job FTE - .50

Work Calendar
- Fiscal

Job Category
- Research

Benefits Eligible
- Yes
- Limited Benefits

Rate of Pay - $16.50 - $20.63

Compensation Type - hourly rate

Grade - 3

Career Stream and Level - OC2

Job Family
- Research & Lab

Job Function
- Research

Type of criminal background check required:

- Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies - 1

Target Hire Date - 8/3/2026

Expected End Date - 12/18/2026

Contact Information for Candidates
- Debankur Sanyal dsanyal

Open Date - 7/20/2026

Open Until Filled
- Yes

Documents Needed to Apply
- Resume