Research Technician III (Yuma, AZ)

The incumbent will be part of the Blankinship Soil Health Lab to support research for the Desert Agriculture Soil Health Initiative (DASHI) in Arizona, New Mexico, and southern California. The incumbent will coordinate, synthesize, and communicate research with scientists, crop producers, and the broader agricultural industry.

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!

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• Field Research: Coordinate with crop producers, the broader agricultural industry, and scientists
  (under the direction of Samuel Rathke, Dr. Joseph
  Blankinship, Postdocs, and Graduate Students) to develop experiments,
  maintain experiments, regularly collect soil and plant samples, and install
  and maintain soil sensors and other agricultural technologies intended to assess and improve management of soil health in arid croplands. This work requires significant judgment, creativity, and initiative to solve complex problems.
• Laboratory Research: Process soil and plant
  samples (sieving, pH, salinity, crop yield, etc.). Operate, maintain, and
  troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment. Conduct laboratory experiments and provide
  recommendations on protocols and procedures. Prepare and ship soil and plant
  samples to commercial analytical laboratories.
• Outreach and Administration: Regularly communicate and exchange information with supervisor, Dr.
  Blankinship, scientific collaborators, crop producers, and other stakeholders
  via in-person meetings, virtual meetings, phone, and email. Conduct
  interviews with crop producers. Organize and analyze study data using
  moderately complex calculations in collaboration with scientific collaborators. Prepare research summary reports as
  written and oral presentations for scientific collaborators, crop producers,
  and other stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to work at a duty post in Yuma, Arizona.
• Valid Driver's License in good standing is required; a vehicle (including insurance, fuel, etc.) for transportation to field sites will be provided. Ability to drive according to
  the University Fleet Safety Policy.
• Ability to work overnight. Occasional overnight travel to field sites in Arizona, California, and New Mexico will be required.
• Must be able to work independently under minimal supervision.
• Prior field and laboratory experience in soil research is required.

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 of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.

• Ability to speak Spanish fluently.
• Prior experience with agricultural stakeholder outreach.
• Prior experience with data analysis and research summary reports.