Agricultural Field Assistant

This position involves assisting directors of Agricultural Water Demonstration, Research, and Implementation Program (AG-DRIP) throughout Utah. Much of the work performed in the summer is outside and varies from day to day. There will be many opportunities to travel with the directors to assist in field work throughout Utah. Work will also include data analysis, office work, and arranging program field work with participating farmers. Other irrigation research and outreach field work, data analysis, and office work may be included.

Your primary responsibility is to assist the directors with AG-DRIP. This involves a variety of tasks including:

·         Help setup site for monitoring (installing soil sensors, weather stations, irrigation system measurements).

·         Assist in the collection of soil and water samples.

·         Assist with the processing of samples (includes drying, grinding, shipping, storage, inventory, etc.).

·         Assist in evaluation irrigation systems (includes site visit and data input/analysis).

·         Assist with open channel and pipeline flow measurements and instrumentation.

·         Input data collected from field trials when needed.

·         Maintain a clean and tidy workspace.

·         Help prepare for- and cleanup after fieldwork.

In addition to these primary roles, there are other tasks from time to time that include helping to prepare education materials, setup and takedown of Extension events, purchasing supplies, fixing equipment or sensors, etc.

The hours for this position will vary during the summer months and may not have a 9-5-time frame due to working with farmers and their schedules, as well as the amount of work that may be required at individual fields. Many times, work will start early in the morning to either travel to a site, or to avoid working in the heat of the day. Some days may be long and other days may be short hour workdays. Please note that directors can be flexible with the hours you are available, but it is important that you have large periods of time available to work in the field during the week. This position requires you to directly report to the directors, thus close and consistent communication with them is needed.

 As this work involves data collection for the farmers, we are looking for people who pay very close attention to detail, keep good notes, and work carefully and quickly. We are looking for people who can learn tasks quickly, perceive the next steps in the process, and not be afraid to ask questions.

The priority of work will always be fieldwork. Much of it is time sensitive and must be coordinated with farmer’s schedules. Field work should take precedence over processing samples or other internal work. Directors will stay in close communication with you as fieldwork comes up, as well as other jobs that need to be performed.

This position requires a valid drivers license as the individual will be expected to drive University vehicles to field sites.

We understand the summertime calls for time off for vacations, etc. If you need time off, please coordinate that with the directors and give as much advance notice as possible so they can plan accordingly.

On Campus ACA Variable Position

US Work Authorization is required