Posting Number

req14173

Department

Yuma Ag Center-Ext

Department Website Link

https://extension.arizona.edu

Location

County Extensions and Farms

Address

6425 W 8th St, Yuma, AZ 85364 USA

Position Highlights

This position is located at the University of Arizona Yuma Agricultural Center in Yuma, Arizona. The Agriculture Worker III (Agriculture Technician) position will be responsible for installation, upkeep, and collection of water use data from farms in Yuma County that are participating in the state sponsored Water Efficiency Irrigation Grant. Extensive experience with the physical use of canal systems, drip irrigation, sprinkler pumps, pivot, wells and drains, and furrow flood irrigation will be needed to maintain or improve local grower production with less water. The Agricultural Worker will be on-site to facilitate the installation and upkeep of irrigation improvements, along with ensuring smooth communications among grower, vendor, and Extension groups. Driver's license is required, as is ability to operate in adverse field conditions and lift/transport 25 pounds. Special interest is placed on the knowledge and principles of crop production, weed, soil and irrigation needs in a production setting.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

A. Crop production

• Assist grower with changes to crop maintenance required by new technology improvements (i.e. new methods for fertilizer, pesticide, and acid (salt fighting) applications).
• Hands-on modification of existing farm equipment to adapt to new irrigation systems (i.e. changes to land leveling, tillage, thinning, weeding, and harvesting practices).
• Learning and sharing techniques between farming companies to facilitate skill-share and document best use practices.
• Attend irrigation efficiency training workshops and disseminate information on-farm.

B. Equipment Installation & Upkeep

• Will facilitate Grower and Vendor installation and upkeep of water systems used for agriculture, including center pivot, surface drip, and sub surface gravity drip.
• Will act as an on-site and remote consultant to learn and share equipment optimization techniques and spread best use recommendations made by the manufacturer.
• May load and drive or support proper functioning of trucks, forklifts, or other machinery which transports irrigation supplies or tools.

C. Data collection

• Make regular visits and record on-farm water use with data collection devices (i.e. flow meters, soil moisture meters, and data collection tablet).
• Request irrigation records from local Water User's Districts and on-farm use.
• Evaluate on-farm and University water reduction research trials to learn optimization techniques.
• Assist supervising Agent with data processing and analysis.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skill in irrigation operation, to include equipment installation and maintenance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift/transport up to 25lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

FLSA

Agricultural Exemption

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Agriculture and Extension

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$21.63

Compensation Type

hourly rate

Grade

4

Career Stream and Level

OC3

Job Family

Agriculture

Job Function

Agriculture & Extension

Type of criminal background check required:

Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to job duties)

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

5/1/2023

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Jennifer Gardner Smith
jmgardne@arizona.edu

Open Date

3/22/2023

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Diversity Statement

At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.