Research Technician I (Maricopa, AZ) (Extended Temporary)

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Maricopa (AZ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reduction for employee and/or家

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Arizona is hiring a Research Technician I in Maricopa, AZ to support irrigation research. You will collect soil and plant samples, monitor soil moisture with sensors, and assist with field maintenance and lab analyses.

This is an Extended Temporary role with a 40-hour work week and health-related benefits. As part of the Biosystems Engineering team, you will help organize and share findings with the farming community.

Qualifications

• Experience with field and lab sampling for agricultural research.
• Ability to prepare and analyze soil, plant and water samples in a lab.
• Skill in collecting soil moisture data with field equipment for irrigation studies.

Responsibilities

• Collect soil and plant samples from Maricopa Ag Center and local farms.
• Monitor soil moisture using neutron meters and sensors for irrigation research.
• Maintain experimental fields through weeding and upkeep.

Skills

Soil sampling

Plant sampling

Soil moisture data collection

Lab sample preparation

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Neutron moisture meter

Job description

Research Technician I (Maricopa, AZ) (Extended Temporary)

Research Technician I (Maricopa, AZ) (Extended Temporary)

Address 37860 W Smith Enke Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA

Position Highlights

This position involves working in the field and laboratory to support irrigation research. Key responsibilities include collecting and analyzing soil and plant samples at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center and Arizona Farms, using sensors and devices such as the neutron moisture meter. The role also includes taking care of experimental fields, preparing and analyzing samples in the lab, and helping organize events to share research findings with the farming community.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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,

Duties & Responsibilities

Soil and PlantSampling:

• Collect samples from the University of Arizona Maricopa Ag Center andlocal farms for research, including plant measurements such as height, coverand biomass.

Soil MoistureMonitoring:

• Collect soil moisture data using neutron meters and sensors tosupport irrigation research.

FieldMaintenance:

• Perform tasks like weeding and general upkeep to maintainexperimental crops.

Lab Analysis:

• Prepare and test plant, soil, and water samples.

Extension EventAssistance:

• Help organize and run events to share research findings with thefarming community.

Knowledge,Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Knowledgeofbasic agricultural field research, including soil and plant sampling andmeasuring plant growth.
• Knowledge in preparingand analyzing soil, plant, and water samples in a laboratory setting.
• Skill incollecting soil moisture data using field equipment to support irrigationresearch.
• Ability to assist with fieldwork and support events that shareresearch findings with the farming community.

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 Qualifications

• High schooldiploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Prior workexperience not required.

Preferred Qualifications

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 $16.50 - $18.75

Compensation Type hourly rate

Grade 2

Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent 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 OC1

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 9/14/2026

Expected End Date 9/6/2027

Contact Information for Candidates Diaa Eldin Elshikha, Assistant Professor, Biosystems Engineering
[e-mail]

Open Date 8/28/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].