Research Technician II (Solomon, AZ)

Arizona; Arizona; On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits

Job summary

University of Arizona seeks a Research Technician to participate in agricultural research across planting, data collection, field mapping, counting, tagging, ginning and harvesting of crops such as cotton, wheat, and corn. Will work under moderate supervision with adherence to research protocols and heavy use of tablets and Excel/SAS for data entry.

Position is based in Graham County, Arizona, with travel within the state required and visa sponsorship not available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Three years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive per University policy.
• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related discipline preferred.
• Class A CDL preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare equipment and supplies for planting activities and field trials.
• Travel to remote locations for planting activities and organize seeds and materials.
• Prepare equipment for harvest activities and collect labeling and sampling supplies.
• Collect field data and enter into electronic formats (Excel, SAS, etc).
• Process yield samples from trials including ginning and weighing.
• Prepare and ship samples for external analysis.
• Assist in setting up extension education meetings and field days.

Skills

Effective communication

Ability to follow research protocols

Independent and team work

Operate field equipment

Travel to remote sites

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture (preferred)

Job description

Department Website Link https://extension.arizona.edu/local-offices/gila-county

Location County Extensions and Farms

Address 2100 S Bowie, Solomon, AZ 85551 USA

Position Highlights

The Research Technician will participate in a wide range of agricultural research activities, including but not limited to planting, data collection, field mapping, counting, tagging, ginning, harvesting, trimming, and spraying various crops, including cotton, wheat, corn, and other commodities as research needs dictate. Incumbents are expected to perform these duties with moderate supervision while maintaining accuracy and adherence to established research protocols. The incumbent must be proficient in the use of computer applications and mobile technologies, such as tablets, to support data collection, recordkeeping, and other day-to-day research and administrative responsibilities.

This position is based in Graham County, Arizona, a region known for its rich agricultural heritage and diverse crop production. Additional information about Graham County and local Cooperative Extension programs can be found at: https://extension.arizona.edu/local-offices/graham-county.

Travel within Arizona, including overnight travel, is required for this 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!

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare needed equipment and supplies for planting activities for initiation and establishment of field research trials.
• This includes acquisition of seeds, prepping seed packet, organizing seed trays, prepping materials for transport, and traveling to remote locations for planting activities.
• Prepare needed equipment and supplies for harvesting activities for completion of field research trials. This includes prepping weighing equipment, prepping harvest sampling labels, organizing and obtaining sampling supplies, prepping materials for transport, traveling to remote locations for harvesting activities.
• Collection of field data related to research protocol. This data may include early season stand establishment, mid-season crop growth and development, end of season crop performance summary data, and collection of any required soil and plant tissue samples. Collection of data includes entering data into appropriate electronic formats including Excel, SAS, etc.
• Process yield samples collected at harvest from various trials. This includes ginning seed cotton samples, weighing and counting grain harvest samples, grinding and prepping forage samples all for sample analysis.
• Prepare and ship any samples that require analysis by outside sources.
• Assist in preparing and setting up for any Extension education meetings, field days, seminars, etc. This may include preparing copies of handouts, setting out field day signs, prepping tables and chairs, setting up canopies, obtaining food and drinks, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to communicate effectively with different groups/individuals.
• Ability to follow established research protocols and procedures while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team.
• Ability to safely operate agricultural vehicles, tractors, implements, and other field equipment.
• Ability to travel to research sites and perform work in remote or rural locations when required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to occasionally lift, move, and transport a maximum of 60 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Ability to perform research duties in various elements such as heat, dust, cold, rain, etc., and withstand being in the elements for several hours at a time.

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 school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Three (3) years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or a related discipline.
• Have or be able to obtain a Class A CDL.

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 - $20.63

Compensation Type hourly rate

Grade 3

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 OC2

Job Family Research & Lab

Job Function Research

Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to job duties)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date 12/7/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates Nancy Budaus, Administrative Support Assistant II
nbudausarizona.edu

Open Date 11/6/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Resume

Special Instructions to Applicant

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].