Job Details

Research Associate II, Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management

Position Number: 9853548
Location: Moscow, United States
Position Type: Agriculture - Other

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.