Smart Farm Technology Specialist

Available Title(s):

570G-YN_CS_NPS – Agricultural Research Technologist 3

Business Title:

Smart Farm Technology Specialist

Employee Type:

Classified

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Position Details:

Summary of Duties:

The WSU AgAID Institute and CAHNRS Agricultural Natural Resources- Tree Fruit Extension program is seeking to hire a Smart Farm Technology Specialist. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining digital infrastructures for an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled Smart Demo Farm testbed(s) and providing Extension education for relevant stakeholders.

This position is expected to build a community learning hub around smart agriculture technology, and as a member of the Tree Fruit Extension team work closely with research and Extension faculty, graduate students, and the agricultural community.

This position is responsible to equip and maintain the Smart Demonstration Farm testbeds with field sensors, imaging devices, drones, and field robots – all of which will be connected to a secure server (control center) using a “ready-to-connect” interface for data collection, processing, and visualization. The position will collaborate with WSU CPAAS, AgWeatherNet, and WSU Tree Fruit Extension teams to support the research, educational, and community/grower/industry collaboration and Extension efforts of the WSU CAHNRS as well as USDA NIFA funded WSU AgAID Institute.

Position is expected to provide appropriate technology transfer through Extension education, demonstration, and “hands-on” learning module development and offerings. In addition, this position will support student education through building and delivery of hands-on Smart Ag Tech and AI learning modules for graduate and undergraduate student interns utilizing testbed resources. It is expected that position will facilitate K-12 as well as adult learner field trips for agricultural technology education. The position reports to Lav Khot and Bernardita Sallato. This position is funded in parts by WSU AgAID Institute and the WSU Tree Fruit Endowment.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in the applied, biological, chemical, physical OR agri­cultural sciences AND two years of experience as an Agricultural Research Technologist 2; OR equivalent education/experience.
• Experience working in an outdoor agricultural environment
• Experience in sensor technology development or use for crop, environment monitoring/ management
• Proficiency with computer software and technical hardware utilization
• Data analysis experience
• Possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license
• Flexible work hours to accommodate field research and outreach activities
• Ability to work in extreme outdoor temperatures in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to learn quickly and operate in a dynamic environment
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) and collaborate across diverse audiences

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years professional experience OR Master of Science (+ 2 year experience) in relevant engineering, technology or agricultural fields (e.g. Digital/Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Technology Management with a major/minor in Precision Agriculture) with a knowledge and/or background in digital (computers, electronics, sensing and data logging) technologies.

Additional Information:

Area/College:

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

Department Name:

Prosser-Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC)

City, State, Zip:

Prosser, WA 99350

Department Link:

Monthly Salary:

Range 45, $3,796.00 – $5,088.00 (Steps A – M)

Successful candidates typically begin at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28.

WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation and optional supplemental retirement accounts.

For a more detailed summary of benefits offered by WSU for classified staff visit: https://hrs.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-Benefit-Overview-for-Civil-Service.pdf.

Find total compensation here: https://hrs.wsu.edu/managers/recruitment-toolkit/total-compensation/.

Overtime Eligibility:

Overtime eligible.

FTE:

100%

This is a Permanent position.

Posting Close Date:

Applicants must submit their completed application by April 08, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Background Check:

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Application Instructions:

Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. External candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/CV” section of your application. Internal candidates, please upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Required Documents:

1) Resume

2) Cover Letter

3) Professional references

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EDUCATOR AND EMPLOYER. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veteran, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

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