Program Associate – Irrigation Contest

About the role

The Program Associate will support the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture in delivering the Arkansas Irrigation Yield Contest, irrigation school programs, and county irrigation demonstration projects. This position combines field work, laboratory tasks, and data analysis to promote effective irrigation water management.

Key responsibilities

• Implement and manage the Arkansas Irrigation Yield Contest and related educational programs.
• Coordinate county‑level irrigation demonstration activities.
• Repair, install, and maintain irrigation equipment in field settings.
• Plant, harvest, and spray crops as part of experimental plots.
• Retrieve and record data from data‑logging devices and conduct manual data collection.
• Summarize experimental data and perform statistical analysis for field studies.

Required profile

• Ability to perform physical work, including lifting equipment and working outdoors.
• Basic understanding of irrigation water management principles.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively with research teams.

Required skills

• Irrigation equipment installation and repair.
• Operation of data‑logging equipment.
• Manual data collection in field environments.
• Statistical analysis of experimental data.

What we offer

• A vibrant work environment within a statewide agricultural research system.
• Opportunities for professional growth in agricultural research and extension.
• A workplace culture that promotes a healthy work‑life balance.