Research Associate | Agriculture & Natural Resources

Online applications must be received before 12:00am on:

January 3, 2025

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

305-YN_FACULTY - Research Associate

Business Title:

Research Associate | Agriculture & Natural Resources

Employee Type:

Faculty (+) (Fixed Term)

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

Key Responsibilities:

Field Operations and Equipment Management:

• Operate field and plot-scale equipment to establish research trials and collect data.

• Maintain and repair field-scale and plot equipment to ensure readiness and functionality for research activities.

• Adapt and modify equipment as necessary to meet the specific requirements of research projects.

• Transport small-plot equipment to various locations as needed.

Research Support:

• Install, maintain, and collect precision farming data from field equipment.

• Apply pesticides to fields and plot sites in compliance with regulations, maintaining an up-to-date license.

• Coordinate plot location and layout with partners, including Washington State University (WSU), USDA, University of Idaho (UI), and private entities.

• Monitor plot sites for remote researchers, providing updates on field conditions and timing to support research objectives.

Project Management:

• Manage and maintain the Wilke compost site, including spraying, seeding, soil sampling, and maintaining alleys.

• Oversee the Ralston project, including seeding, fallow management, spray treatments, monitoring, and harvesting research plots.

• Assist external researchers with fieldwork and logistics as required.

Facility and Infrastructure Management:

• Maintain facilities and field vehicles, including pickups and trucks, to ensure operational efficiency.

• Coordinate facility repairs beyond in-house capabilities and manage facility use for visiting researchers.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Act as a liaison between research collaborators, ensuring alignment on fieldwork, timing, and project needs.

• Monitor and communicate the status of field sites to researchers and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in agricultural equipment operation, maintenance, and repair.

• Familiarity with precision farming technologies and data collection systems.

• Ability to adapt and modify equipment for specialized research needs.

• Pesticide applicator's license or willingness to obtain one.

• Strong organizational and communication skills to coordinate with multiple research teams and stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic field environment.

•  Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards. 

• Ability to transport equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in research trial management.

• Knowledge of soil sampling, seeding, and plot management techniques.

• Hands-on experience with facility maintenance and project coordination.

Work Environment:

• This position involves outdoor work in variable weather conditions and may require lifting, bending, and operating heavy machinery.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

WSU Extension

Department Name:

Agriculture & Natural Resources (CAHNRS)

City, State, Zip:

Ritzville, WA 99169

Department Link:

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Annual Salary: $54,000.00 - $72,000.00

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this posi