Agricultural Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Agriculture Worker I (Safford, AZ)
Posting Number
req26831
Department
Safford Agricultural Center
Department Website Link
https://experimentstation.arizona.edu/safford-agricultural-center
Location
County Extensions and Farms
Address
2134 S Montierth Lane, Safford, AZ 85546 USA
Position Highlights
The Agriculture Worker I plays an important role in supporting agricultural research and field operations at the Safford Agricultural Center. This hands-on position assists with crop production activities, equipment operation, irrigation, facility maintenance, and groundskeeping to help ensure successful research and farming operations. Ideal candidates enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and contributing to a team-oriented agricultural environment. The position offers the opportunity to gain experience in agricultural research while supporting the day-to-day operations of an active agricultural center. This position works primarily outdoors and may require schedule flexibility during peak irrigation, planting, and harvest periods.
Located just outside of Safford in Graham County, this 63-acre agricultural center has been a performance testing site for the long staple cotton breeding program and other crop varietals for more than 70 years. The Safford Agricultural Center was acquired with state and Graham County Farm Bureau funds in 1946. Since its inception, the facility has provided research and service to farmers across Southeastern Arizona, including Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties. The center has made specific contributions in raising crops under the same saline conditions local growers face. The founders chose the site deliberately because of the unfavorable salinity and highly alkaline characteristics in its soil and water. The facility also provides the infrastructure for Cooperative Extension agricultural research and education throughout the Southeastern part of the state and has meteorological monitoring infrastructure that has reported weather information to local, state and national agencies for more than 70 years.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
PerformAgricultural Production Activities:

• Assist with irrigation, planting,cultivation, harvesting, and related agricultural activities in support ofresearch plots and field crops.
• Apply fertilizers and other treatments asdirected and operate basic farm equipment and tools following establishedprocedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and reportequipment or crop issues to supervisors.

Assist withEquipment Operation and Care:

• Operate and assist with the routine care of farmequipment, vehicles, and implements used in agricultural operations.
• Performbasic maintenance activities such as cleaning equipment, checking fluid levels,and preparing equipment for field use under supervision.

PerformGroundskeeping and Facility Support:

• Assist with mowing, weed control, pruning,raking, painting, and general upkeep of agricultural center grounds andfacilities.
• Perform routine custodial tasks to maintain safe and functionalwork environments.

Transport andHandle Agricultural Materials:

• Load, unload, move, and transport agriculturalsupplies, equipment, harvested products, and materials as directed.
• Assist withfield preparation and support activities for research and agriculturaloperations.

Complete BasicRecordkeeping and Special Projects:

• Maintain simple records related to assignedtasks and activities.
• Assist with special projects and perform other relatedduties as assigned to support agricultural center operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiaritywith irrigation systems, agricultural equipment, or crop production activities.
• Knowledge ofbasic agricultural practices, equipment, tools, and safety procedures.
• Skill infollowing written and verbal instructions and established work procedures.
• Ability tosafely operate basic farm equipment, vehicles, and hand tools.
• Ability toperform manual labor outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability tomaintain accurate basic records related to assigned work.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assisting with farming, landscaping, groundskeeping, maintenance, or other outdoor labor activities.
• Experience operating tractors, utility vehicles, or similar equipment.
• Experience performing routine maintenance, custodial, or groundskeeping tasks.

FLSA
Agricultural Exemption
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Agriculture and Extension
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$16.50 - $18.75
Compensation Type
hourly rate
Grade
2
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's 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 candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. 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.
Career Stream and Level
OC1
Job Family
Agriculture
Job Function
Agriculture & Extension
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
10/12/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Jonie Burge, Business Manager, Senior
jburge@arizona.edu
Open Date
8/18/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports 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 cleryact@arizona.edu.