Research Associate II, Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management

University of Idaho; Moscow (ID); On-site; USD 58,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Idaho seeks a Research Associate II for the Kimberly Research & Extension Center to support agronomic and agricultural water management research and Extension programs. The role plans and manages field research, coordinates data collection and analysis, and contributes to scientific writing and reporting.

Independent and collaborative work with faculty, Extension staff and external partners is expected; travel in Idaho and occasional regional/national travel are required, along

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field and two years of research beyond master's level.
• Experience planning/designing field and on-farm research studies.
• Ability to analyze data, interpret results and contribute to reports.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct major scientific studies or applications in irrigation and water management.
• Coordinate data collection, analysis and reporting for publications.
• Supervise junior research personnel and coordinate project activities.
• Maintain detailed records and prepare written reports for PI and funding agencies.

Skills

Research experience

Data collection

Statistical analysis

Scientific writing

Python

R

GIS

Education

Master's degree in Agronomy

Soil Science

Water Resources

Tools

R

Python

GIS

SQL

Job description

Research Associate II, Irrigation and Agricultural WaterManagement

Posting Number: SP005465P

Division/College: College of Agricultural & LifeSciences

Department: Soils and Water Systems

Location: Kimberly

Posting Context Statement:

The University of Idaho is seeking a Research Associate II tosupport agronomic and agricultural water management research andExtension program at the Kimberly Research & Extension Center.This position plans and manages field and on-farm researchprojects, coordinates data collection and analysis, supportsscientific writing and reporting, coordinates project activities,and supervises research personnel. The position works independentlyand collaboratively with faculty, researchers, Extension personnel,and external partners.

Position Overview:

Performs research activities and analysis; implements, evaluatesand recommends adjustments to research procedures. Responsible forsynthesizing and independently preparing results for publication.Works under general supervision with a significant degree ofcreativity and latitude. May coordinate research operations and thedaily activities of junior research personnel.

Duties may include:

• Participate in planning and/or designing of major scientificprojects, studies, or applications
• Plan and conduct research and analysis of scientific data
• Prepare graphic and narrative reports
• Interpret test results and comparing with determined standardsand limits
• Perform site inspections and field oversight if field work isrequired
• Plan, design, develop, monitor and/or evaluate a distinctportion of a scientific project, study or application
• Research, design, implement, standardize, and evaluate newprocedures
• Maintain detailed records of results and prepares writtenreports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and fundingagencies
• Other duties as assigned

Required Experience:

• Two years of research experience beyond receipt of Master'sDegree related to the domain of this position

Required Education:

• Master's Degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, AgriculturalEngineering, Biological Engineering, Water Resources, EnvironmentalScience or a closely related to the domain of this position

Required Other:

• Must have a valid driver's license and the ability to meet UIrequirements for driving university vehicles
• Ability to travel frequently throughout Idaho and occasionalregional 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, ora closely related field
• Experience conducting independent field-based agricultural orenvironmental research
• Experience with experimental design, data collection,statistical analysis and interpretation
• Experience with agricultural water management, irrigation, soilmoisture, evapotranspiration, precision agriculture or relatedresearch
• Proficiency with R, Python, GIS, SQL or similar data analysisand visualization tools
• Experience managing research projects, datasets and competingpriorities
• Scientific writing experience, including peer-reviewedpublications, technical reports or thesis/dissertation work
• Experience supervising students or research personnel andcollaborating with producers, Extension or interdisciplinaryteams
• Experience with agricultural equipment, field instrumentation,remote sensing, UAVs, sensor networks or environmental monitoringtechnologies
• Experience serving as PI or Co-PI on extramurally fundedresearch

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

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

Degree Requirement:

Listed degree qualification is required at time ofapplication

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employee Category: Exempt

Pay Range: $58,011.20 annually or higher depending onexperience

Type of Appointment: Fiscal Year

FTE: 1.0

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Funding: This position is contingent upon the continuationof work and/or funding.

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in thisvacancy: Uncertain

Posting Date: 09/24/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications received byOctober 8, 2026, will receive first consideration.

IMPORTANT: To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” mustaddress EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinenteducation and/or experience. In addition, to improve your rankingduring the evaluation process, address as many of the PreferredQualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not beaccepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter ofQualification.

In addition to your Letter of Qualification, please also includeyour unoffical transcripts.

If you would like to receive a full position description, pleaseemail Heather at [e-mail] and request that one be sentto you.

Applicant Resources:

https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources

Background Check Statement:

Applicants who are selected asfinal possible candidates must be able to pass a criminalbackground check.

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunityemployer, including veterans and individuals withdisabilities.