What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Field Technician position at Rodale Institute?
Rodale Institute’s California Organic Center (COC) is seeking a Temporary Field Technician to support ongoing research trials and farm operations during the 2026 growing season. This position will play a critical role in maintaining field activities, supporting data collection, and ensuring the site is well-managed for research and outreach events.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Operate tractors and farm equipment for field preparation, cultivation, and cover crop management
- Assist with irrigation setup, maintenance, and monitoring
- Support planting, transplanting, and general crop management activities
- Assist with implementation of research trials, including plot maintenance and treatment applications
- Collect field data (e.g., plant growth, weed pressure, soil measurements)
- Maintain clean, organized, and presentable research fields
- Support preparation for field days and other on-site events
- Perform general farm tasks as needed
- Experience operating tractors and basic farm equipment
- Familiarity with vegetable crop production systems
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work (lifting, bending, long hours in field conditions)
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow research protocols
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work in various weather conditions
- Valid driver's license
- Experience in organic or regenerative agriculture systems
- Experience with irrigation systems (drip irrigation preferred)
- Previous experience supporting agricultural research trials or data collection
- Basic mechanical skills
- Outdoor, field-based work in varying weather conditions
- Physically active role requiring standing, lifting, and repetitive tasks
- This is an hourly position, $20.00 per hour
- This is a temporary position, approximately 3-4 months, with potential extension
- 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day
- Temporary employees are eligible for statutory benefits such as social security, worker’s compensation, and unemployment compensation but are not eligible for Rodale Institute benefit programs including severance benefits
- To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors
Salary : $20