Small Farms Staff Research Associate 2 - Fresno, CA, Job ID 81947

Position Overview

The Small Farms Sustainable Agricultural Production Staff Research Associate will assist in conducting research in sustainable production practices—including integrated pest management, irrigation and groundwater management, water and energy conservation, nutrient management, and soil conservation—to support sustainable agricultural production on small-scale and diversified farms in Fresno and Madera Counties. Reporting to the Small Farms Soil and Water Conservation Staff Research Associate 3, and collaborating closely with the Small Farms Advisor and the Small Farms Water Conservation Academic Coordinator in Fresno County, you will manage research plots on participating farms and at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension (KARE) Center. Your research duties include data collection, sample processing, field plot setup and maintenance, bilingual technical assistance, extension demonstrations, and participation in local research collaborations.

Compensation: $28.88/hour to $37.36/hour.

Job Posting Close Date: Open until filled; first application review date 10/31/2025.

Key Responsibilities

• 50%: Assist with the establishment and management of field research and demonstration plots.
• Prepare, install, and maintain equipment and supplies for field work, data collection, and sustainable production demonstrations.
• Collect, process, and ship soil, plant, water, insect, and other samples while learning new sampling procedures and equipment operation.
• Contribute to experimental design, order supplies, and assist with on-farm participatory research activities—including Spanish communication—with UC ANR staff, academics, and partner institutions.
• Manage transportation and maintenance of equipment to implement sustainable production practices and ensure compliance with safety training and procedures.
• 35%: Keep accurate and timely records by collecting, organizing, and analyzing data; download field monitoring data; and prepare data summaries, graphs, and tables.
• Conduct literature reviews, prepare workshop evaluation forms in Spanish, and assist with survey development, translation, and data collection for needs assessments.
• Recruit farmers for on-farm research trials, track research and extension activities, and contribute to ongoing needs assessments to support small-scale and underserved farmers.
• 15%: Assist in the delivery of educational programs on sustainable production practices by presenting research findings at extension meetings, coordinating bilingual outreach, and developing bilingual educational materials.
• Provide bilingual technical assistance and extension support to growers for on-farm implementation, regulatory compliance, and access to grants and incentives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in plant science, agronomy, horticulture, agroecology, or a related field and/or equivalent experience or training.
• Coursework and/or experience in water, soil, and nutrient management in agricultural production systems.
• Coursework and/or experience in pest management, including entomology, plant pathology, and pesticide use and compliance.
• Experience in applied agricultural research and in agricultural production systems relevant to the San Joaquin Valley.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to maintain data integrity and manage multiple project tasks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience in extension, adult education, project coordination, community outreach, or community development.
• Bilingual communication skills in Spanish, including reading, writing, translation, and effective technical communication.
• Experience working with field research equipment such as sensors and monitoring devices.
• Experience working with small-scale farms, diversified farming systems, or niche crops.