Job Description

Agriculture Worker I (Maricopa, AZ) (Part-Time) (Extended Temporary Employment)
Posting Number req24166
Department Biosystems Engineering-Res
Department Website Link
Location Maricopa
Address 37860 W. Smith Enke Road, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA
Position Highlights
The Department of Biosystems Engineering of the University of Arizona seeks to fill the role of Agriculture Worker I. This position involves routine work in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory to support environmental stresses research in cotton and small grains. Key responsibilities following prescribed processes include maintaining field plots at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agriculture Center and Arizona farms, using sensors and devices such as the neutron moisture meter, and maintaining greenhouse experiments for stress response. Additional responsibilities include measuring physiological traits on cotton and small grains, preparing and analyzing samples in the greenhouse and lab, summarizing data, and organizing events to share research findings with the farming community.
The research of the Department of Biosystems Engineering spans laboratories, controlled growth environments and field settings, leading to discoveries that drive the development of efficient, sustainable agricultural practices. Whether for traditional farming or controlled environments, our work optimizes resource use while safeguarding both ecological and human health. From optimizing growth conditions in controlled environment agriculture, to finding renewable fuel and feed sources, to developing advanced biosensors, we seek sustainable solutions to feed a growing world population in the face of a changing climate.
This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .
Duties & Responsibilities

• Routine field experiments: Planting cotton and small grains populations, collecting plant measurements that include height, biomass, physiological, and agronomic traits, harvesting, ginning cotton seeds, threshing small grains seeds, and organizing cotton lent and seed samples.
• Data collection and field maintenance: Collect soil moisture data using neutron meters and sensors per prescribed processes. Perform other routine tasks such as weeding and general upkeep to maintain experimental crops.
• Greenhouse experiments: Planting cotton and small grains populations in pots, irrigating and fertilizing plants, maintaining greenhouse conditions, measuring plants for various physiological traits, per prescribed processes.
• Lab analysis: Prepare and test plants and assess seeds measurements.
• Extension event assistance: Help organize and run events to share research findings with the farming community.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow protocols accurately are essential for maintaining accurate records and supporting research objectives.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University

.
Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in agricultural research.

FLSA Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Part Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 32
Job FTE .80
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Agriculture and Extension
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $16.50 - $18.75
Compensation Type hourly rate
Grade 2
Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our and our .
Career Stream and Level OC1
Job Family Agriculture
Job Function Agriculture & Extension
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date 11/10/2025
Expected End Date 10/31/2026
Contact Information for Candidates Dr. Diaa Eldin Elshikha
Assistant Professor, Biosystems Engineering
diaaelshikha@arizona.edu
Open Date 10/13/2025
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

Skills Required