Program Associate - Irrigation Contest

Researchers Position

The primary responsibility of this individual will be to implement the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Arkansas Irrigation Yield contest, Irrigation school programs, and county irrigation demonstration programs. Duties include some laboratory but mostly field activities in irrigation water management. Includes but not limited to repairing and installing irrigation equipment, planting crops, harvesting crops, spraying crops, retrieving information from data logging equipment, manual data collection, data summarization and statistical analysis for field experiments.

The employee must be able to perform physical work such as lifting a minimum weight of 50 pounds and operate ATV. The job also requires driving long distances and walking and working on cooperating producer farms. The individual will be assisting with the implementation of new and innovative irrigation water management practices on cooperator farms. IWM practices include multiple inlet rice irrigation, computerized hole selection, surge irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, tail water recovery, and ET based scheduling.

The individual will also be expected to be able to test irrigation pumps, use an ultrasonic meter, down hole well camera, liquid measurement devices and torque cells to measure pumping plant efficiency. The individual also will assist the water management engineer in development of materials for extension programs and research presentations. The individual will be expected to be able to develop personal relationships with clientele and assist them in learning how to implement IWM practices and tools effectively on their operations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's in Mechanized Systems Management, Agriculture Technology Management, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Engineering, agronomy, soil science, crop science or related technical agricultural or environmental field plus three years of related professional experience or a Master's in Mechanized Systems Management, Agriculture Technology Management, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Engineering, agronomy, soil science, crop science or related technical agricultural or environmental field

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience and/or knowledge of farming and familiarity with irrigation, engines, pumps, farm machinery, and electronics is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Excellent written & verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, data management, & email programs. A high level of technical competence in irrigation. Ability to develop & deliver presentations. Ability to exercise initiative, make sound judgments, & work independently. Ability to relate & respond to the needs of supervisors, subordinates, & clientele.

Salary Information:
Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:
Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.

Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.