Program Associate

About the role

The Division of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas System seeks a Program Associate to support field‑based research and extension activities. This position involves hands‑on work in station and on‑farm trials, data collection, and equipment maintenance, contributing to the Division’s mission of advancing agricultural science across the state.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with the design, establishment, and management of station‑based and on‑farm research trials.
• Collect and process soil and plant data following established protocols.
• Support planting, fertilizing, spraying, irrigating, harvesting, and general field operations.
• Install, calibrate, and maintain monitoring equipment such as sensors, UAV platforms, and data loggers.
• Ensure quality control and accurate implementation of project protocols.
• Coordinate directly with producers and collaborators during on‑farm research activities.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, agronomy, soil science, or a related field.
• Strong interest in field research and extension work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Willingness to travel to research sites and work outdoors in varying conditions.

Required skills

• Experience with field data collection and processing.
• Familiarity with agricultural monitoring equipment such as sensors, UAV platforms, and data loggers.

What we offer

• Competitive benefits and a supportive work‑life balance.
• Opportunities to collaborate with university researchers, producers, and extension partners.
• Professional development within a statewide agricultural research network.