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

Soil and Agronomy Research Technician (Part Time) (Temporary) (Maricopa, AZ)

Address: 37860 W Smith Enke Rd., Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA

This position is part of the Department of Environmental Sciences
- Extension at the University of Arizona. The primary responsibility 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!

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

• Collect soil, water, and plant samples from research plots and process them for analysis. The samples will be collected using tools such as soil probes, bottles, resealable plastic bags, and clippers. The samples will be dried and ground for analysis.
• Assist with irrigation, plot preparation and application of agricultural products in the research plots. Compost, biochar, other agricultural products, hydrogel-based soil amendments and fertilizers will be applied by hand. Special training will be provided to obtain the licenses and certifications required to apply chemicals like herbicides and pesticides.
• 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.

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

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

• 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.

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 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
  .
• 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

Compensation Guidance: The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.…