Program Associate

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Closing Date:

Type of Position:

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Researchers

Workstudy Position:

No

Job Type:

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Regular

Work Shift:

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Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:

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Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice\-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work\-life balance.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Program \& Employment Compliance at compliance@uada.edu .

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501\-671\-2219 or 479\-502\-9820\.

Department:

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Field Crops \

• Soils Specialist

Department's Website:

https://crop\-soil\-environmental\-sciences.uark.edu/

Summary of Job Duties:

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The job duties for the Program Associate include:

Field \& Research Activities (30%)

• Assist with the design, establishment, and management of station\-based and on\-farm research trials.
• Collect and process soil and plant data following established protocols.
• Assist with planting, fertilizing, spraying, irrigating, harvesting, and general field operations.
• Support installation and maintenance of monitoring equipment (e.g., sensors, UAV platforms, data loggers).
• Ensure quality control and accurate implementation of project protocols.
• Coordinate directly with producers and collaborators during on\-farm research activities.

Data Management \& Analysis (20%)

• Organize, clean, and manage agronomic datasets.
• Conduct data entry and preliminary analysis.
• Assist with data visualization and summarization for reports and presentations.

Extension \& Educational Support (30%)

• Assist in developing Extension materials (e.g., handouts, fact sheets, reports, videos, presentations, and online content).
• Support preparation of annual reports, grant reports, and stakeholder updates.
• Assist with organization and coordination of field days, workshops, and hands\-on trainings.
• Contribute to translating research findings into producer\-focused educational materials.

Program Coordination \& Administration (20%)

• Assist with procurement, supply tracking, and basic administrative documentation.
• Help coordinate timelines, logistics, and communication across projects.
• Supervise and train student workers and temporary staff as needed.
• Maintain organized project records and documentation.

Qualifications:

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*Minimum Qualifications*

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Crop Science, or related field plus three (3\) years of relevant experience OR a related Master’s degree.
• Experience conducting field\-based agronomic research.
• Experience collecting and processing soil and plant samples.

*Preferred Qualifications*

• Experience working directly with agricultural producers.
• Experience with data management and analysis (Excel required; R or Python preferred).
• Familiarity with precision agriculture tools (UAVs, proximal sensors, etc.) and handling geospatial data.
• Experience preparing Extension materials, reports, or educational content.

*Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities*

Strong written and verbal communication skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying environmental conditions and willingness to travel statewide as needed.
• Ability or willingness to obtain Arkansas Pesticide Applicator License and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot License.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and tools.
• Strong organizational and time\-management skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong communication with supervisor and team members.
• Professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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Recruitment Contact Information:

Tabatha Gonzalez, Dept. Manager, tgonzalez@uada.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5\.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre\-employment Screening Requirements:

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Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre\-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non\-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

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Driving, Sitting, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

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Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Standing, Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

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Crouching, Kneeling, Lifting

Benefits Eligible:

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Yes