Soil Health LTARE Coordinator Available Title(s): 1161-YN_ADMINPRO - Scientific Assistant Business Title: Soil Health LTARE Coordinator Employee Type: Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term) Time Type: Full time Position Term: 12 Month Position Details: Summary of Duties: The incumbent will coordinate a multidisciplinary group of research, Extension, and stakeholders to implement a new Long-term Washington Soil Health Tree Fruit Agricultural Research and Extension project (LTARE), which has the goal to evaluate management systems which optimize tree fruit yield and quality through sustainable soil health management practices. This position will support the research and extension activities in soil health for (apple, cherry and pear) in tree crops in Washington. The person will perform professional-level work in support of scientific research; using advanced skills and knowledge to perform the following tasks: define research protocols; establish research plots; conduct field and laboratory research; run established research protocols, evaluate research data, ensure quality control. The incumbent will collect, input, and process field assessments, and conduct laboratory analyses. They will work with farm staff to establish research plot plantings and apply varying organic matter, irrigation and fertility treatments. The incumbent will provide key project management including coordination of project team; facilitation of advisory group; development of research timelines, project plans and protocols; and data management. Additional opportunities include the development of internship and fellowship programs and structures to facilitate national research partnerships. This person will also develop research programming in environmental, carbon, water, and nutrient physiological and soil borne pathogen management questions that are complimentary to research within this long-term project. This will include opportunities for grant writing, mentoring, and publications through collaboration within the lab. Laboratory and Field Research (40%) • Design and develop research methodologies. • Modify and adapt research procedures to meet trial requirements. • Install Tree Fruit Long Term Research Trial treatments including mulch, compost, anaerobic soil disinfestation, brassica seed meal. • Conduct sampling and analysis. • Collect data in the field including yield, tree cross sectional area, soil moisture, carbon application rates, cover crop biomass, and fruit quality. • Ensure quality control. • Evaluate research data. • Conduct technical laboratory analysis. • Set up, operate and maintain necessary equipment and instrumentation. • Work with research scientists, technologists, and graduate students for the successful completion of experiments in a teamwork environment. Project Management (40%) • Coordinate project team and stakeholder advisory group. • Organize planning meetings with stakeholders including consultants, growers and researchers involved in the project. • Develop research timelines, project plans and protocols to ensure timely and accurate experiment establishment and data collection. • Create structure for and solicit participation for multidisciplinary research collaboration with national and international researchers. • Develop fellowship and internship programs for graduate and undergraduate student participation in LTAR project. • Prepare spreadsheet for field data collection, ready all field material in advance for daily activity in the orchard. • Reliably record notes and records. • Completion of purchasing, grant paperwork and reporting. • Locate and purchase supplies. Research Plot Horticulture (20%) • Apply varying irrigation and fertilization treatments to plots in accordance with rese