Research Technician III; Yuma, AZ

Position Highlights

The Department of Environmental Science is looking for a Research Technician III. This position will be based in Yuma, Arizona and will play critical roles in experimental design, field monitoring, laboratory analyses, and outreach to advance understanding of agricultural soil health in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The incumbent will be part of the Blankinship Soil Health Lab to support research for the Desert Agriculture Soil Health Initiative (DASHI) in Arizona, New Mexico, and southern California.

The incumbent will coordinate, synthesize, and communicate research with scientists, crop producers, and the broader agricultural industry.

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 and relocations services, please .

• Field Research:
  Coordinate with crop producers, the broader agricultural industry, and scientists (under the direction of Samuel Rathke, Dr. Joseph Blankinship, Postdocs, and Graduate Students) to develop experiments, maintain experiments, regularly collect soil and plant samples, and install and maintain soil sensors and other agricultural technologies intended to assess and improve management of soil health in arid croplands. This work requires significant judgment, creativity, and initiative to solve complex problems.
• Laboratory Research:
  Process soil and plant samples (sieving, pH, salinity, crop yield, etc.). Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment. Conduct laboratory experiments and provide recommendations on protocols and procedures. Prepare and ship soil and plant samples to commercial analytical laboratories.
• Outreach and Administration:
  Regularly communicate and exchange information with supervisor, Dr. Blankinship, scientific collaborators, crop producers, and other stakeholders via in-person meetings, virtual meetings, phone, and email. Conduct interviews with crop producers. Organize and analyze study data using moderately complex calculations in collaboration with scientific collaborators. Prepare research summary reports as written and oral presentations for scientific collaborators, crop producers, and other stakeholders.

• Ability to work at a duty post in Yuma, Arizona.
• Valid Driver's License in good standing is required; a vehicle (including insurance, fuel, etc.) for transportation to field sites will be provided. Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
• Ability to work overnight. Occasional overnight travel to field sites in Arizona, California, and New Mexico will be required.
• Must be able to work independently under minimal supervision.
• Prior field and laboratory experience in soil research is required.

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.

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.

• Ability to speak Spanish fluently.
• Prior experience with agricultural stakeholder outreach.
• Prior experience with data analysis and research summary reports.

• FLSA:
  Non-Exempt
• Full Time/Part Time:
  Full Time
• Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
• Job FTE: 1.0
• Work Calendar:
  Fiscal
• Job Category:
  Research
• Benefits Eligible:
  Yes - Full Benefits
• Rate of Pay: $18.15 - $22.69 hourly rate
• Grade: 4
• Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
• Career Stream and Level: OC3
• 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: 5/1/2026
• Expected End Date:
• Contact Information for Candidates:
  Sam Rathke, Research Specialist, Blankinship Lab, srathke
• Open Date: 2/2/2026
• Open Until Filled:
  Yes
• Documents Needed to Apply:
  Resume and Cover Letter
• Special Instructions to Applicant:
• Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:
  In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act…