We are Hiring – Organic Farming Systems Research Technician

Apply Today!

Location: Puyallup, WA

Start date: February 1, 2024. The start date is negotiable.

Application screening starts December 20th, 2023

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

Cooperate with research scientists to conduct senior level research and assist with the Extension program emphasizing:

  1. organic diversified cropping systems, including reduced tillage
  2. soil health and cover crop research; and
  3. compost systems research and education.

 

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Identify and define research objectives in organic agriculture and alternative tillage and composting. Ensure quality control, make improvement to crop production techniques and field methods, including ground covers, tillage, cultivation and transplanting. Design and maintain sprinkler and drip irrigation in the field and
greenhouse. Collect and analyze data and share findings with stakeholders in field days or other extension formats. Supervise hourly employees and assist graduate students working in support of the research. Conduct general laboratory maintenance and routine care of instrumentation and machinery; orders supplies, keeps inventory records and maintains a safe working environment.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline
    and three (3) years of progressively responsible related professional research
    experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be
    substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. A Master’s
    degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline may be
    substituted for up to one year of the required work experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead support staff.
  • Have, or ability to obtain, a WA pesticide license within 6 months of hire.
  • Must have, or able to maintain, a valid driver’s license by time of hire.
  • Demonstrated ability to operate farm equipment which includes, but not limited
    to: tractors, trucks, forklifts, sprayers, etc.
  • Ability to travel to remote worksites and meetings to work independently and on
    teams.

Preferred:

  • Master’s degree in agricultural or related sciences.
  • Experience in diversified vegetable production
  • Understanding of and experience with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) certification and food safety
  • Skills in wet laboratory techniques and instrumentation.
  • Experience operating various farm machinery.
  • Experience in experimental design of field, greenhouse, and/or laboratory projects.
  • Ability with irrigation and fertigation systems.
  • Supervisory experience

WSU Position R-10783

TITLE: Scientific Assistant: Organic Farming Systems Research Technician

LOCATION: Washington State University–Puyallup Research and Extension Center

SALARY: Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

START: Feb 1, 2024, negotiable

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Screening of application materials begins December 20, 2023; open until filled.
To apply, visit https://hrs.wsu.edu/jobs/ and be prepared to submit a resume and cover letter. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements. For questions about the position contact: Dr. Douglas Collins, Search Committee Chair, 253-445-4658, [email protected]

LOCATION

This position is located at the WSU – Puyallup Research and Extension Center. Puyallup is 35 miles south of Seattle in the south Puget Sound region. Western Washington is an environmentally sensitive, rapidly urbanizing region, with a diverse and dynamic small farm sector. Western Washington is known for its maritime climate. Many farms are transitioning to direct marketing and specialty crop production to capture higher returns.

 

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1890, Washington State University is a comprehensive landgrant university with teaching, research, and extension missions, and one of two research universities in Washington State. Additionally, research centers are located throughout the state, extension offices are located
in every county in Washington, and online degree programs are offered worldwide. WSU employees promote academic excellence and innovative research that serves the state, nation, and world. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and accountability, continual enhancement of research and educational endeavors are at WSU is committed to excellence the core of WSU's strategic Washington State priorities. See here for additional information about WSU's statewide locations.

Further information about WSU can be found at: http://www.wsu.edu.

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER.

Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnamera, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-8336384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected].

Notice of vacancy.
A flyer with a picture of a farm and a field.
View Notice of Vacancy (PDF)

This article was published by the Washington Soil Health Initiative. For more information, visit https://wasoilhealth.org. To have these posts delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to the WaSHI newsletter. To find a soil science technical service provider, visit the Washington State University Extension website or the Washington State Conservation District website.