Research Technician I (Yuma, AZ) (Extended Temporary Employment)

Posting Number req27001

Department: School of Plant Sciences-Res

Department Website Link: Plant Sciences

Location: Yuma

Address: 6425 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 USA

Position Highlights

The Research Technician I will assist with installing and maintaining eddy covariance systems, soil-moisture sensors, weather stations, data loggers, and related field equipment. Duties will also include supporting irrigation activities, soil and plant sampling, crop measurements, data collection and organization, field records, and other research activities under faculty supervision. The position requires regular travel to University research facilities and cooperating commercial farms in Yuma County and surrounding agricultural regions. Work schedules may occasionally vary to accommodate irrigation events, equipment installation or troubleshooting, crop sampling, and harvest activities. The employee will work with advanced agricultural and environmental monitoring technologies and support research across multiple cropping systems. This is an Extended Temporary Employment 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.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Facilitate installing, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting eddy covariance systems, soil-moisture sensors, weather stations, data loggers, and related monitoring equipment.
• Support routine inspections, maintenance, and calibration records.
• Develop and implement field research across multiple cropping systems, including irrigation treatments, crop establishment, field maintenance, and data collection.
• Administer soil, weather, and crop conditions, assist with irrigation operations, and maintain accurate irrigation and field records.
• Collect soil, plant, biomass, yield, and other crop samples.
• Support crop measurements, harvest activities, sample processing, and accurate labeling and record keeping.
• Download, organize, and quality-check data from field sensors and experiments.
• Help identify data issues, maintain research databases, and support preparation of reports, tables, figures, and project documentation.
• Facilitate coordinating field activities with faculty, students, growers, and collaborators.
• Maintain field and equipment records, support training on field instruments and sampling procedures, and follow all safety requirements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of agricultural field research, irrigation, and crop production.
• Skill in using and troubleshooting field sensors and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to support irrigation scheduling and collect soil, plant, and crop measurements.
• Skill in organizing research data and maintaining accurate field records.
• Ability to travel to research and commercial agricultural fields in Yuma and surrounding regions and to work under field conditions 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 Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in agricultural field research, irrigation management, crop production, environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, research instrumentation, sensor installation and maintenance, or research data collection.

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

9/28/2026

Expected End Date

7/30/2027

Contact Information for Candidates

Dr. Ali Mohammed alim3@arizona.edu

Open Date

9/4/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

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. These reports 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 cleryact@arizona.edu.