Rice Research and Extension Center - Irrigation Water Management Program

Title: Irrigation Program Associate for Irrigation Water Management Program

Location: Negotiable, must be located in the Delta Region of Arkansas

Summary: Program Associates operate in an independent, decision-making role in the planning & execution of programs. Work objectives are coordinated with Project Leaders and/or other supervisors, but project implementation & management are primarily the responsibilities of the Program Associate. Program Associates are expected to contribute effectively to conceptual framework, program design, result dissemination, educational activities, & the pursuit of extramural financial support.

A unique opportunity exists to be on the cutting edge and a team member of a high impact program promoting sustainable water management in the mid-south region for the third largest irrigated state. A statewide effort requires a Program Associate to direct Irrigation Water Management Demonstrations and provide Educational Outreach about conservation practices used in the southern region. These positions are expected to be able to work independently with little supervision. The main duty of this position is the implementation of the nationally recognized Arkansas “Most Crop per Drop" Irrigation Yield Contest. In recent years the contest has grown to over 57 growers and over $70,000 in prizes awarded annually.

Other duties include some laboratory but mostly field activities in irrigation water management. Managing and implementing Experiment station research, planting, harvesting, field prep.  Includes but not limited to retrieving information from data logging equipment, manual data collection, data summarization, analysis of field experiments and training others on how to design irrigation systems and implement best practices. Must be able to perform physical work such as lifting a minimum weight of 50 pounds and operate ATV. The job also requires driving long distances and walking and working on farms. The individual also will be expected to work as a contributing member of the Arkansas Irrigation Water Management Team. Assist in the delivery
of irrigation schools, programs for teaching irrigation concepts to agricultural irrigators. Experience with soil moisture monitoring, computerized hole selection, multiple inlet rice irrigation, and surge irrigation highly desirable.

Skills: Excellent written & verbal communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, data management, & email programs. Ability to relate and communicate effectively with farmers. A high level of technical competence in irrigation. Ability to develop & deliver presentations. Ability to exercise initiative, make sound judgments, & work independently. Ability to relate & respond to the needs of supervisors, subordinates, & clientele.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's in Engineering, Mechanized Systems Management, Agriculture Technology Management, Agriculture, Environmental Science, agronomy, soil science, crop science or related technical agricultural or environmental field plus three years of related professional work experience.

Preferred Qualifications: M.S. in related field. Experience and /or knowledge of farming and familiarity with farm machinery, electronics, and irrigation management and equipment is desirable. Certified Crop Advisor or ability to obtain highly desirable. Irrigation Engineering experience or formal training in irrigation methods is highly desirable.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.
https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UASYS/job/Stuttgart/ProgramAssociate---12-MONTH_R0002401 For more information contact cghenry@uada.edu

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.