Research Associate II, Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management

Posting Number: SP005465P

Division/College: College of Agricultural & Life Sciences

Department: Soils and Water Systems

Location: Kimberly

Posting Context Statement

The University of Idaho is seeking a Research Associate II to support agronomic and agricultural water management research and Extension program at the Kimberly Research & Extension Center. This position plans and manages field and on-farm research projects, coordinates data collection and analysis, supports scientific writing and reporting, coordinates project activities, and supervises research personnel. The position works independently and collaboratively with faculty, researchers, Extension personnel, and external partners.

Position Overview

Performs research activities and analysis; implements, evaluates and recommends adjustments to research procedures. Responsible for synthesizing and independently preparing results for publication. Works under general supervision with a significant degree of creativity and latitude. May coordinate research operations and the daily activities of junior research personnel.

Duties May Include

• Participate in planning and/or designing of major scientific projects, studies, or applications
• Plan and conduct research and analysis of scientific data
• Prepare graphic and narrative reports
• Interpret test results and comparing with determined standards and limits
• Perform site inspections and field oversight if field work is required
• Plan, design, develop, monitor and/or evaluate a distinct portion of a scientific project, study or application
• Research, design, implement, standardize, and evaluate new procedures
• Maintain detailed records of results and prepares written reports acceptable to the Principal Investigator and funding agencies
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Required Experience

• Two years of research experience beyond receipt of Master's Degree related to the domain of this position
  
  

Required Education

• Master's Degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Science or a closely related to the domain of this position
  
  

Required Other

• Must have a valid driver's license and the ability to meet UI requirements for driving university vehicles
• Ability to travel frequently throughout Idaho and occasional regional or national travel
• Ability to occasionally work non-standard business hours, especially during peak field seasons
  
  

Additional Preferred

• Ph. D in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Water Resources, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
• Experience conducting independent field-based agricultural or environmental research
• Experience with experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis and interpretation
• Experience with agricultural water management, irrigation, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, precision agriculture or related research
• Proficiency with R, Python, GIS, SQL or similar data analysis and visualization tools
• Experience managing research projects, datasets and competing priorities
• Scientific writing experience, including peer-reviewed publications, technical reports or thesis/dissertation work
• Experience supervising students or research personnel and collaborating with producers, Extension or interdisciplinary teams
• Experience with agricultural equipment, field instrumentation, remote sensing, UAVs, sensor networks or environmental monitoring technologies
• Experience serving as PI or Co-PI on extramurally funded research
  
  

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Work in office, laboratory, greenhouse and outdoor agricultural environments
• Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move up to 50 pounds and walk long distances over uneven terrain
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb ladders and work around machinery, chemicals, insects and variable weather
  
  

Degree Requirement

Listed degree qualification is required at time of application

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employee Category: Exempt

Pay Range: $58,011.20 annually or higher depending on experience

Type of Appointment: Fiscal Year

Fte

1.0

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Funding: This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding.

A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy: Uncertain

Posting Date: 09/24/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions To Applicants

Applications received by October 8, 2026, will receive first consideration.

IMPORTANT: To be considered, your “Letter of Qualification” must address EACH of the minimum qualifications, including pertinent education and/or experience. In addition, to improve your ranking during the evaluation process, address as many of the Preferred Qualifications as possible. Information on a resume will not be accepted as a substitute for submitting a Letter of Qualification.

In addition to your Letter of Qualification, please also include your unoffical transcripts.

If you would like to receive a full position description, please email Heather at hbiersner@uidaho.edu and request that one be sent to you.

Applicant Resources: https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources

Background Check Statement

Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.

To apply, visit https://uidaho.peopleadmin.com/postings/52877

The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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