Alaska Agriculture & IPM Outreach Research Assistant

Work with the Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Extension on agriculture and forestry related pest and invasive species detection, management and education. This dynamic position involves participation in research activities, and turning those research findings into educational programs for the public and professionals. Research projects are conducted with a team of researchers, undergraduate and graduate students that coordinate to perform activities.

The position is responsible for learning research procedures to set up treatments, and collect, organize and summarize data. The research technician will lead work of graduate and student assistants to perform research activities in uniform ways. Most research is located at the Matanuska and Fairbanks Experiment farms, and some is conducted off site and in remote locations.

Outreach and education are essential to this position, and the candidate will work with faculty and other staff to organize and deliver virtual and in person workshops and conferences. Virtual education is provided through video broadcast classes, Canvas courses and websites. In-person workshops and conferences are organized in collaboration with faculty and external partners to deliver a wide variety of information to the public and professionals on invasive species topics.

This position will participate in organizing and hosting these events, managing registration, and contracts. The candidate will provide poster and/or oral presentations at workshops and conferences.

Our team collects data from the public and directed field surveys on the location of invasive species. Public collected data comes from community science projects where participants utilize mobile applications or web forms found on existing platforms. Directed surveys are conducted in collaboration with other agencies. Working with the public the candidate will help identify weeds and pests of concern and provide advice on their control

Come work on exciting projects in invasive species and pest detection and management in Alaska, and help turn those projects into educational programs designed to facilitate the public and professionals to adopt recommendations stemming from research. Work is located in Fairbanks at the Tanana District office with frequent summer work on the Fairbanks Experiment farm located near the Georgeson Botanical Garden.

Regular interaction with the public at the office, and events are critical to providing the public with usable information and keeping the team's research informed by the problems the public and professionals are encountering. Working with community groups such as Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Farm Bureau, Alaska Invasive Species Partnership, Alaska Community Forest Council, and others are essential to community engagement.

To thrive in this role the applicant must be able to work in a team environment with little supervision. It is necessary to be flexible and able to learn a variety of different skills and techniques to perform research projects. Excellent communication is essential to disseminate information to the public and professionals, and understand individuals pest management needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years college coursework in field relevant to the research (e.g. science, math, business) and two years experience in a field relevant to the research or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Two years college coursework in biology, agronomy, horticulture, natural resource management, entomology or related field, and two years of experience in a field relevant to integrated pest management, plant sciences, and/or entomology or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Alaska Driver's License or the ability to obtain one.
Alaska Pesticide Applicator Certification in Consultation & Demonstration, and research (Category 2, and 14), or ability to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks Alaska. This is a part-time, term-funded, non-exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package . UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage.

New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule , Grade 77, based on education and experience.

Applications will be accepted for review on April 10, 2026, to ensure consideration, please apply by 11:55 PM, Alaska Standard Time on DAY BEFORE REVIEW DATE April 09, 2026. Submission of an application does not guarantee review or a job offer.

The University of Alaska (UA) reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at the UA facilities. Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the University's discretion. Remote work for employees based outside…