POSITION DESCRIPTION – WSU Regional Small Farms Agricultural Research Technician
Working Title: Sweetpotato Research Field Assistant
Appointment Status: 12-16 hours per week
Effective Dates: March 15, 2024 – October 15, 2024
Office Location: WSU Clallam County Extension, 1914 W 18th St. Port Angeles WA 98363
Description:
The WSU Regional Small Farms program supports a thriving food and farm sector in Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap Counties through classes and workshops, farmer-to-farmer networking, technical support and access to WSU specialists, access to local markets and regional food systems work, and applied and on-farm research and policy development.
The Regional Small Farms Program supports small to mid-sized farms by leveraging the broad resources of a major university to resolve issues and create a positive food future for our region.
The sweet potato research field assistant will be a member of the WSU regional Small Farms team and is primarily responsible for collecting data and maintaining equipment and research plots on farms in Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap Counties under the supervision of the Horticulture/ IPM Specialist. The field assistant may assist with related activities such as field days and on-farm workshops.
Reports to: WSU Regional Small Farms Program Horticulture/ IPM Specialist, Laurel Moulton laurel.moulton@wsu.edu
Duties and Responsibilities:
· Provides field and office support for on-farm sweetpotato trials in Kitsap, Jefferson and Clallam Counties.
· Assists with planting, maintenance, harvesting, and data collection at trial plots.
· Visits farms once every other week to maintain soil probes (temperature/moisture), download data, photograph trial plots and collect other data.
· Enters data and maintains database for photos and data. Provides data to farmers when requested.
· Assists with on-farm workshops and field days as needed.
· Distributes plant material and other tasks as needed.
Required Qualifications:
· Interest or previous work in agriculture.
· Ability to practice positive work ethics (honesty, integrity, perseverance, dependability, teamwork, being prepared, being anti-racist, managing bias)
· Knowledge of principles, practices and application of technical skills required in on-farm research and applied science: Basic farm function, maintenance of scientific equipment, basic scientific data collection.
· Ability to map research plots; maintain field equipment, understand and follow written work plans; collect and compile data, input data into established computer programs; deal effectively with public; have discretion and respect when conducting trial related work as a guest on participating farms; contribute internal reports.
· Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member as required.
· Demonstrated ability to manage time and tasks effectively.
· Valid driver’s license and vehicle with auto insurance (see “Transportation” below).
· Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, Zoom, etc.).
Desired Qualifications:
· Baccalaureate Degree in the applied, biological, chemical, physical or agricultural sciences;
OR
· Four years of full-time experience as a Technical Farm Laborer, or equivalent.
Wages and Hours:
Work hours occur primarily Monday through Friday between the hours of 8a.m. and 6p.m. Scheduling is flexible, up to 12-16 hours per week depending on project needs.
Wages: $19.40/hr
This position accrues annual leave and personal holiday hours in addition to sick leave based on hours worked.
Transportation:
A work vehicle will be available for transportation, however, there may be occasional times when a work vehicle is not available, and employee will need to transport themselves and their program supplies to research sites. Mileage to research sites is reimbursed when using own car (transportation from the employee’s home to the office is not reimbursed).
How to apply:
Email a resume, cover letter and two references to Laurel Moulton, Horticulture/ IPM Specialist, at laurel.moulton@wsu.edu .
Position open until filled.
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For additional information: https://extension.wsu.edu/regionalsmallfarms/ https://vegetables.wsu.edu/sweetpotato/
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