Organic Farming Systems Research Technician

Available Title(s):
1161-NN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant, 1161-YN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant
Business Title:
Organic Farming Systems Research Technician
Employee Type:
Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)
Time Type:
Full time
Position Term:
12 Month
Position Details:
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.
Essential Job Functions:

• Research | 20%
• Data Collection & Analysis | 20%
• Laboratory and Field Operations | 30%
• Research Support | 20%
• Supervision and Training | 5%
• Other | 5%

Required Qualifications:

• 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 Qualifications:

• 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.

Additional Information:
Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources (CSANR)
City, State, Zip: Puyallup, WA, 98371
Department Link: College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)
Monthly Salary: $4,050.92 - $5,829.37 | In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position. Successful candidates typically begin up to mid-point of the salary range. For additional information, please review WSU's Administrative Professional Compensation. WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.
FTE: 100%
This is a temporary position.
Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on January 31, 2025. Renewal is dependent on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.
Posting Close Date: Applicants must submit their completed application by Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. External candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/CV" section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the "Resume/Cover Letter" section of your application. Documents may be submitted in one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF if possible. Applicants will be requested to provide contact information for professional references within the online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
Required Documents:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, 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: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.