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Agriculture Research Associate Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Agriculture Research Associate information

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$17

$33

$48

How much do agriculture research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for agriculture research associate in Riverside, CA is $33.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.36 and $38.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an agriculture research associate?

Agriculture Research Associates are professionals who assist in conducting scientific studies related to crops, livestock, soil, and agricultural processes. They work alongside scientists and researchers to collect data, perform experiments, and analyze results to improve farming techniques and increase agricultural productivity. Their work often involves fieldwork, laboratory tasks, and data analysis to support innovations in sustainable agriculture. These roles are essential for advancing agricultural science and addressing challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability.

What are some typical challenges agriculture research associates face when conducting field experiments?

Agriculture Research Associates often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, pest infestations, and variability in soil quality, all of which can affect the consistency and reliability of research results. Coordinating with farm staff, managing equipment logistics, and maintaining accurate data records are also common hurdles. Overcoming these obstacles requires adaptability, strong organizational skills, and effective communication with both research teams and external partners.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an agriculture research associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Agriculture Research Associate, you need a solid background in agricultural science, research methodology, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (such as SAS or R), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, effective collaboration, and the advancement of agricultural innovation.

What is the difference between Agriculture Research Associate vs Soil Scientist?

AspectAgriculture Research AssociateSoil Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in agriculture, biology, or related fieldBachelor's or master's in soil science, geology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, agricultural settingsLaboratories, field research, environmental agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, agricultural companiesEnvironmental agencies, research institutions, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Agriculture Research Associates and Soil Scientists work in research environments related to agriculture and the environment. While they share similar educational backgrounds and work settings, Soil Scientists focus specifically on soil properties and health, whereas Agriculture Research Associates may work on broader agricultural research projects. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their interests and credentials.

What job categories do people searching Agriculture Research Associate jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Agriculture Research Associate jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Agriculture Research Associate jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Agriculture Research Associate job openings:
Agriculture Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Agriculture Research Associate job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,614 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Container Nursery (Ornamental plant production) Weed Management

University of Florida

Orange, CA

Other

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

University Of Florida rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Container Nursery (Ornamental plant production) Weed Management

Apply now Job no: 540657
Work type: Post Doc Associate
Location: Orange
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department:60870000 - AG-MREC-APOPKA

Classification Title:

Postdoc Aso

Classification Minimum Requirements:

The appointee shall have received the doctorate in a field appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Job Description:

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF . 

We are seeking applications to fill a postdoctoral research associate position with UF/IFAS located off campus at the Mid Florida Research and Education Center (MREC) near Orlando, Florida. This is an exciting opportunity to pursue applied and basic research relating to weed biology and management in ornamental crops. This position will be an initial 18 month appointment with a possible extension, working with MREC faculty coordinating and conducting research on:

  • Growth, reproduction, and germination requirements for common and emerging weed species important in Florida container nurseries
  • Use of plant growth regulators and alternative strategies for weed and labor management in container nurseries and landscapes
  • Development of alternative and non-chemical methods of weed control by altering production practices and cultural management strategies.
  • Assessment of herbicide efficacy, leaching, and fate in container nurseries
  • Growth response of weeds to differing soilless substrate compositions, fertilization, and irrigation management practices
  • Screening preemergence herbicides and ornamentals for safety and efficacy to develop more effective preemergence herbicide rotations for nursery growers
  • Determining ornamental crop response to weed management strategies and their growth and resource utilization when grown in competition with weed species

Specific operational tasks for the position will involve but are not limited to:

  • Plan, design, manage, and conduct controlled environment experiments to investigate weed physiology and horticultural production practices.
  • Collect, manage, analyze and interpret data from the experiments, and produce publications and reports synthesizing research results in the context of relevant literature.
  • Coordinate undergraduate students and interns assisting in research projects

MREC is located in the Orlando metropolitan area, northwest Orange county and 15 miles from a vibrant, multi-cultural downtown and right next to Lake Apopka, one of Florida's largest and encompassing the world famous North Shore wildlife refuge.  Housing is affordable and widely available.  Benefits include health and dental, and 130.5 hours of annual leave.

Questions regarding the position should be emailed to Dr. Chris Marble (marblesc@ufl.edu).

Background Information:

The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students.  UF is a member of The Association of American Universities.  The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus.  UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation's largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine.  UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.  

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Required Qualifications:

A Ph.D. (foreign equivalent acceptable) degree in weed science, horticulture, plant biology, crop science, agronomy, forestry, or a related discipline of plant science with a focus on horticultural/plant production is required. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system.  Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.   

Preferred:

A strong record of course work and independent research in subjects such as weed science, container production, pest management, controlled environments, and crop and soil management is desirable. Abilities and skills in statistical analyses, data management and visualization, and scientific writing is desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date and submit: 

  • A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and describing your relevant skill set
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation 

Selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire.A transcript will not be considered "official" if a designation of "Issued to Student" is visible.Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). 

Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities. 

Health Assessment Required: No

Advertised: 23 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Gainesville, FL, US

Year founded

1853

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