Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement:
Position Purpose:
Precision Agriculture Lab (PAL) at University of Maryland Extension (UME) invites applications for 1-year, renewable (for a maximum of 3 total years based on performance), for grant funded position of Research Technician to conduct applied research focusing on advancing irrigation practices specific to Maryland by developing and disseminating technical resources that support sustainable water management in agriculture. The researcher will work with PI and PAL team in developing science-based cropping information tailored to Maryland's unique conditions, including peak consumptive water use rates, evapotranspiration rates, rooting depths, and recommended plant and row spacing. The candidate will also provide help with the Maryland-specific Irrigation Guide science-based Irrigation Water Management (IWM) plans to assist in irrigation and improve water use efficiency. Candidate will work on sustainable water management and improve irrigation practices in Maryland agriculture by providing support in developing crop and site-specific climate-and water-smart irrigation models/methods. The position will be based at the Central Maryland Research and Education Center – Upper Marlboro facility of University of Maryland.

Position Responsibilities:
• Perform duties related to research projects and develop information on crops, irrigation systems, irrigation technologies, water conservation strategies.
• Performs laboratory and field activities in accordance with experimental protocols, posts dates and times of experimental steps, data collection and data analyses.
• Develop irrigation handbook/guide for cropping systems in Maryland.
• Develop sensor and/or ET and/or remote-sensing based irrigation water management models/methods for efficient water use for different crops.
• Develop, design, and implement novel irrigation models or technologies to optimize water use efficiency and application.
• Operate and maintain all scientific instrumentation in the laboratory and field.
• Develop crop specific climate-and water-smart irrigation prediction method/models using field, lab, remote or proximal sensing data.
• Contribute to project reports (monthly, quarterly, and annually) and publish research findings in peer-reviewed and Extension journals, and present at national and international conferences.


Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Minimal physical lifting (less than 20 lbs.) in the laboratory and field environment.
• This position requires the employee to work outdoors conducting field research.
• Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.

Qualifications:
Required –
• MS in Agricultural or Biosystems Engineering or related fields.
• Experience with laboratory and field research
• Experience with irrigation water management research etc.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including oral presentations at scientific conferences and written peer reviewed journal and Extension articles.
• Must be willing to travel throughout the state of Maryland. Out-of-state travel may also be required.
• Flexible work schedule required for data collection in the evening or weekends.
• Ability to work in-person in a laboratory environment in Maryland.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferences:
• Prior experience with irrigation engineering and management.
• Prior experience and ability to work with lab, field, and computer modeling environment.
• Strong writing skills.
• Ability to obtain a Maryland driver’s license.


Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: A complete application packet includes a cover letter, resume or CV, copies of transcripts, and three professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address.

 

Best Consideration Date: 07/01/2025

 

Posting Close Date: n/a

 

Open Until Filled: Yes

 

Financial Disclosure Required

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