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
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 & 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
Degree Requirement
Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application
Posting Information
FLSA Status
FLSA Status Exempt
Employee Category
Employee Category Exempt
Pay Range
Pay Range $58,011.20 annually or higher depending on experience
Type of Appointment
Type of Appointment Fiscal Year
FTE
1.0
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Funding
Funding This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.
Visa Sponsorship
A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. Uncertain
Posting Date
Posting Date 09/24/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement
The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts
- Letter of Qualification
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- Academic Careers
- Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU)
- Chronicle
- Facebook
- HigherEd/Academic Impressions
- Higher Ed Jobs
- Idaho Department of Labor/Job Service including Job Central or Idaho Works (Idahoworks.gov)
- Indeed.com
- Inside Higher Ed
- LinkedIn
- Newspaper
- Other Venue
- Professional Listservs (Ex: NACUBO, AAAE, ISMC, etc.)
- University of Idaho Website
- University of Idaho Daily Register
- University of Idaho Employee
- Word of Mouth
- Militaryjob.com
- DSPSjobs.com
- Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
- * Were you referred to this employment opportunity by a current University of Idaho employee? If so, please provide their name and department.
(Open Ended Question)
- * Are you currently authorized to work in the United States of America?
- * Do you now, or in the future require sponsorship through the University of Idaho to continue working in the United States?