Temporary Senior Plot Technician

The Senior Plot Technician will support the Sugar Beet Plant Pathology research program at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center by coordinating and carrying out specialized field operations required for small-plot research trials in sugarbeet and rotational crops. This position provides experienced technical support during critical periods of the field season, including planting, pesticide application, plot maintenance, and harvest, and is essential to the timely and accurate execution of research activities.
The individual in this role will operate tractors, planters, sprayers, harvest equipment, and related field machinery, while also applying substantial technical knowledge of field research operations, treatment logistics, seasonal timing, equipment setup, and documentation requirements. Responsibilities include establishing sugarbeet research trials, executing pesticide and other field treatment applications according to research protocols, coordinating field activities under changing seasonal and operational conditions, assisting with routine maintenance and calibration of equipment, and supporting harvest operations. This position also requires proactive communication and the ability to help guide less experienced staff involved in specialized sugarbeet research operations. Position may require occasional extended hours during peak planting, spraying, and harvest periods. Position is limited to 67 working days.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):
1. Planting, field trial establishment, and treatment execution (45%)
Operate tractors, planters, sprayers, and related equipment to establish, maintain, and treat sugarbeet research plots according to research protocols, seasonal timing, and field conditions. Ensure field operations are carried out accurately and in a timely manner to support successful trial implementation.
2. Operational coordination, communication, and field logistics (25%)
Coordinate day-to-day field activities with program staff and NWROC field support personnel to ensure planting, pesticide applications, maintenance, and other research operations are completed according to schedule. Communicate proactively regarding field conditions, equipment needs, treatment timing, and operational contingencies that may affect trial execution.
3. Harvest operations and end-of-season field activities (15%)
Operate tractors and harvest-related equipment to support timely and accurate harvest of research plots. Assist with organizing and carrying out harvest activities in a manner that maintains plot identity, research quality, and completion of seasonal objectives.
4. Equipment setup, calibration, maintenance, documentation, and staff guidance (15%)
Perform setup, calibration, transport, cleaning, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of tractors, planters, sprayers, and other field equipment used in research operations. Maintain accurate records related to field activities, pesticide applications, and operational tasks, and provide guidance to less experienced staff involved in specialized sugarbeet research operations.

The Sugar Beet Plant Pathology research program at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center coordinates and carries out specialized field operations required for small-plot research trials in sugarbeet and rotational crops.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

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