Job Information
Washington State University Research Associate Agriculture & Natural Resources in Pullman, Washington
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 https://policies.wsu.edu/prf/index/manuals/safety-policies-procedures-manual/sppm-7-10/#four_3 and departmental driving standards.
• Ability to transport equipment.
Preferred Qualifications: