Research Development Professional III (Extended Temporary)

University of Arizona

  • Full time
  • 3 months ago
  • Yuma,AZ
  • OnSite

Job Description

Posting Number
req20506
Department
YCEDA
Department Website Link
Location
County Extensions and Farms
Address
6425 W 8th St, , Yuma, AZ 85364 USA
Position Highlights
The Yuma Center of Excellence for Desert Agriculture (YCEDA), part of the University of Arizona’s Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences & Cooperative Extension, is seeking an AgTech Research Development Professional. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a high-profile public-private partnership between the University of Arizona and the desert agriculture industry. YCEDA is headquartered in Yuma, Arizona, the ‘Winter Vegetable Capital of the United States,” which is responsible for producing over 90% of the leafy greens consumed in North America from November through April and is home to over 175 different crops. YCEDA was created as a research innovation center providing fast-track solutions to high-priority issues and new technologies identified by the desert agricultural industry, including increasing production efficiencies through disease and water management, maximizing crop yield, food safety, and food systems while expanding Ag technology into agriculture systems.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

Duties & Responsibilities
Smart Farm Project Development and Support
  • As part of the project team, create a strategy to develop the Yuma Ag Center into a working Smart Farm.
  • Lead the process of Smart Farm implementation at YAC.
  • Foster collaboration to ensure success of the Smart Farm.
  • Support the training of YAC staff and interns to work on the Smart Farm.
  • Serves as a liaison between the Smart Farm and AgTech companies interested in the exploration of on-farm implementation of their technologies.
  • Assist with Smart Farm field demonstrations and events promoting technologies.
  • Expand AgTech knowledge by organizing and facilitating educational workshops/seminars, and credit and noncredit training programs to further expand advanced AgTech.
  • Provide coordination and general support for regional AgTech outreach, workshops, and/or other related industry activities.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for the testing and implementation of advanced AgTech in agriculture in support of research projects, teaching, and expanding the day-to-day advanced AgTech use into agriculture research centers.
Regional AgTech Support and Engagement
  • Monitor advancements in agricultural technologies to determine the potential for implementation into specialty crops in arid environments. This may include attending conferences and other networking events.
  • Serves as a liaison between the agriculture industry and AgTech companies interested in the exploration and on-farm implementation of their technologies in the region.
  • Collaborate with AgTech companies to facilitate the integration of AgTech equipment, sensors and other advanced technologies.
  • Market the broadband connectivity available in Yuma County including the YAC Smart Farm and the broadband towers that currently being build, which will provide connectivity throughout the agricultural region.
AgTech Project Support and Development
  • Support grant management for the NSF AgTech grant.
  • Track AgTech implementation, use, and outcomes/participation for NSF grant reporting in quantitative and qualitative methods.
  • Contribute to the vision for AgTech program development.
  • Assist in grant writing to sustain and maintaining the Smart Farm and AgTech program at YCEDA.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Extensive knowledge and demonstrated use of advanced agriculture technologies.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree
  • Bilingual in Spanish preferred
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes – Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$65,687 – $85,393
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
9
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizonas 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 candidates work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range Minimum, Midpoint, and Maximum Fields listed below represent a full range of career compensation growth over time in this position and grade. Each unit typically sets starting pay between minimum and midpoint upon hire. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Grade Range Minimum
$65687
Grade Range Midpoint
$85393
Grade Range Maximum
$105099
Career Stream and Level
PC3
Job Family
Research Development
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
9/1/2026
Contact Information for Candidates
Tanya Hodges
[email protected]
Open Date
9/9/2024
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Diversity Statement
At the University of Arizona, we value our inclusive climate because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituencies. Because we seek a workforce with a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we provide equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. As an Employer of National Service, we also welcome alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service programs and others who will help us advance our Inclusive Excellence initiative aimed at creating a university that values student, staff and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.
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 Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the Universitys 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 [email protected].
Uploading
Skip to toolbar