Research Associate II, Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management

Research Associate II, Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management

Position Title Research Associate II, Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management

Division/College

Division/College College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

Department

Department Soils and Water Systems

Location

Location Kimberly

Posting Context Statement

The University of Idaho is seeking a Research Associate II to support agronomic and agricultural water management research and Extension program at the Kimberly Research & Extension Center. This position plans and manages field and on-farm research projects, coordinates data collection and analysis, supports scientific writing and reporting, coordinates project activities, and supervises research personnel. The position works independently and collaboratively with faculty, researchers, Extension personnel, and external partners.

Position Overview

Performs research activities and analysis; implements, evaluates and recommends adjustments to research procedures. Responsible for synthesizing and independently preparing results for publication. Works under general supervision with a significant degree of creativity and latitude. May coordinate research operations and the daily activities of junior research personnel.

Duties may include:

• Participate in planning and/or designing of major scientific projects, studies, or applications
• Plan and conduct research and analysis of scientific data
• Prepare graphic and narrative reports
• Interpret test results and comparing with determined standards and limits
• Perform site inspections and field oversight if field work is required
• Plan, design, develop, monitor and/or evaluate a distinct portion of a scientific project, study or application
• Research, design, implement, standardize, and evaluate new procedures
• Maintain detailed records of results and prepares written reports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and funding agencies
• Two years of research experience beyond receipt of Master’s Degree related to the domain of this position

• Master’s Degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Science or a closely related to the domain of this position

• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to meet UI requirements for driving university vehicles
• Ability to travel frequently throughout Idaho and occasional regional or national travel
• Ability to occasionally work non-standard business hours, especially during peak field seasons

• Ph. D in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
• Experience conducting independent field-based agricultural or environmental research
• Experience with experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis and interpretation
• Experience with agricultural water management, irrigation, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, precision agriculture or related research
• Proficiency with R, Python, GIS , SQL or similar data analysis and visualization tools
• Experience managing research projects, datasets and competing priorities
• Scientific writing experience, including peer-reviewed publications, technical reports or thesis/dissertation work
• Experience supervising students or research personnel and collaborating with producers, Extension or interdisciplinary teams
• Experience with agricultural equipment, field instrumentation, remote sensing, UAVs, sensor networks or environmental monitoring technologies
• Experience serving as PI or Co-PI on extramurally funded research

• Work in office, laboratory, greenhouse and outdoor agricultural environments
• Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move up…