Smart Farm Technology Specialist

at  Washington State University

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in the applied, biological, chemical, physical OR agricultural sciences AND two years of experience as an Agricultural Research Technologist 2; OR equivalent education/experience.
• Experience working in an outdoor agricultural environment
• Experience in sensor technology development or use for crop, environment monitoring/ management
• Proficiency with computer software and technical hardware utilization
• Data analysis experience
• Possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license
• Flexible work hours to accommodate field research and outreach activities
• Ability to work in extreme outdoor temperatures in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to learn quickly and operate in a dynamic environment
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) and collaborate across diverse audiences

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years professional experience OR Master of Science (+ 2 year experience) in relevant engineering, technology or agricultural fields (e.g. Digital/Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Biosystems Engineering, Agricultural Technology Management with a major/minor in Precision Agriculture) with a knowledge and/or background in digital (computers, electronics, sensing and data logging) technologies.

The WSU AgAID Institute and CAHNRS Agricultural Natural Resources- Tree Fruit Extension program is seeking to hire a Smart Farm Technology Specialist. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining digital infrastructures for an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled Smart Demo Farm testbed(s) and providing Extension education for relevant stakeholders.
This position is expected to build a community learning hub around smart agriculture technology, and as a member of the Tree Fruit Extension team work closely with research and Extension faculty, graduate students, and the agricultural community.
This position is responsible to equip and maintain the Smart Demonstration Farm testbeds with field sensors, imaging devices, drones, and field robots - all of which will be connected to a secure server (control center) using a “ready-to-connect” interface for data collection, processing, and visualization. The position will collaborate with WSU CPAAS, AgWeatherNet, and WSU Tree Fruit Extension teams to support the research, educational, and community/grower/industry collaboration and Extension efforts of the WSU CAHNRS as well as USDA NIFA funded WSU AgAID Institute.
Position is expected to provide appropriate technology transfer through Extension education, demonstration, and “hands-on” learning module development and offerings. In addition, this position will support student education through building and delivery of hands-on Smart Ag Tech and AI learning modules for graduate and undergraduate student interns utilizing testbed resources. It is expected that position will facilitate K-12 as well as adult learner field trips for agricultural technology education. The position reports to Lav Khot and Bernardita Sallato. This position is funded in parts by WSU AgAID Institute and the WSU Tree Fruit Endowment.