Research Associate II, Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management

University of Idaho; Idaho; On-site; USD 58,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Idaho is seeking a Research Associate II to support irrigation and agricultural water management initiatives in Kimberly, Idaho. The role involves performing research activities, analyzing data, and synthesizing results for publication under general supervision with some autonomy.

Responsibilities include planning major projects, conducting research, interpreting results, coordinating field operations, and preparing written reports for investigators and funding agencies.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field is required at time of application.
• PhD preferred as an additional qualification.
• Two years of research experience beyond a Master’s degree in the domain.

Responsibilities

• Participate in planning and designing major scientific projects.
• Plan and conduct research and analysis of scientific data.
• Prepare graphic and narrative reports.
• Interpret test results and compare with standards.
• Perform site inspections and field oversight as needed.
• Plan, design, develop, monitor and evaluate portions of projects.
• Research, design, implement, standardize and evaluate new procedures.
• Maintain detailed records and write reports for PI and funders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Experimental design

Data collection

Statistical analysis

Interpretation

Water management

Irrigation

Soil moisture

Evapotranspiration

Precision agriculture

R

Python

GIS

SQL

Education

Master’s Degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Science or closely related

PhD in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Science, or a closely related field

Tools

R

Python

GIS

SQL

Job description

Appointment Information

Working Title:Research Associate II, Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management

Division/College:3998-CALS Col of Agri Life Sciences

Department:842-CALS Fiscal Administration

Location:Kimberly

FTE:1

Advertising Pay Range:$58,011.20 annually or higher depending on experience

Is this position contingent on work and/or funding:True

FLSA Status: Exempt

Type of Appointment: Full Fiscal Year

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
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience:

• Two years of research experience beyond receipt of Master’s Degree related to the domain of this position

Required Education:

• 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

Required Other:

• 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

Additional Preferred:

• 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

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Work in office, laboratory, greenhouse and outdoor agricultural environments
• Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds and walk long distances over uneven terrain
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb ladders and work around machinery, chemicals, insects and variable weather

Posting Information

Open Until Filled: True

Visa Sponsorship:Uncertain

Degree Requirement Timeline:Degree required at time of application