Job Description

Soil and Agronomy Research Technician (Part Time) (Temporary) (Maricopa, AZ) Posting Number
req26532 Department
Environmental Science-Ext Department Website Link Environmental Science Location
Maricopa Address
37860 W Smith Enke Rd., Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA Position Highlights

The Department of Environmental Sciences- Extension at the University of Arizona seeks to fill the role of Soil and Agronomy Research Technician. The primary responsibility of this position is to participate in field and laboratory research by measuring various soil, crop, and environmental variables under general supervision and with instructions provided.

Research duties include collecting soil, water, and plant samples from the field; monitoring crop growth in the field; assisting in fieldwork such as irrigation and weed management; collecting field-based data on soil moisture, crop growth or similar parameters; processing samples for analysis; conduct statistical analyses; organizing research data; and maintaining research supply inventories.

This position will last until 12/18/2026 with a possible extension contingent upon work performance and funding.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here

Duties & Responsibilities

Sample Collection and Fieldwork (Protocols Will Be Made Available by the Supervisory Team):

• Collect soil, water, and plant samples from research plots and process them for analysis. The samples will be collected using tools such as soil probes, bottles, resealable plastic bags, and clippers. The samples will be dried and ground for analysis.
• Assist with irrigation, plot preparation and application of agricultural products in the research plots. Compost, biochar, other agricultural products, hydrogel-based soil amendments and fertilizers will be applied by hand. Special training will be provided to obtain the licenses and certifications required to apply chemicals like herbicides and pesticides.
• Monitor crop growth, measure plant variables, and participate in the planting and harvesting of crops.
• Submit all recorded information in a shared folder on Box or OneDrive and provide regular updates to supervisors.
• Organize collected data in a spreadsheet and share it with other project team members.

Soil, Plant, and Water Sample Processing, Organization, and Laboratory Testing:

• Grind and sieve all collected soil and plant samples.
• Conduct or assist with soil testing.
• Clean and organize laboratory supplies and consumables.

Extension and Outreach Programs:

• Assist in organizing extension and outreach events such as workshops, trainings, field demonstrations, and field days.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Understanding of data organization and management.
• Ability to work outdoors in open fields for extended periods.
• Ability to drive vehicles to rural and urban field research sites.
• Ability to learn new skills.
• Motivation to work with agricultural stakeholders.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with organized research projects.

FLSA
Non-Exempt Full Time/Part Time
Part Time Number of Hours Worked per Week
20 Job FTE
.50 Work Calendar
Fiscal Job Category
Research Benefits Eligible
Yes - Limited Benefits Rate of Pay
$16.50 - $20.63 Compensation Type
hourly rate Grade
3 Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator Career Stream and Level
OC2 Job Family
Research & Lab Job Function
Research Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies
1 Target Hire Date
8/3/2026 Expected End Date
12/18/2026 Contact Information for Candidates
Debankur Sanyal

dsanyal@arizona.edu Open Date
7/20/2026 Open Until Filled
Yes Documents Needed to Apply
Resume Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.