Temporary Field Technician

Rodale Institute’s California Organic Center (COC) is seeking a Temporary Field Technician to support ongoing research trials and farm operations during the 2026 growing season. This position will play a critical role in maintaining field activities, supporting data collection, and ensuring the site is well-managed for research and outreach events.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operate tractors and farm equipment for field preparation, cultivation, and cover crop management
• Assist with irrigation setup, maintenance, and monitoring
• Support planting, transplanting, and general crop management activities
• Assist with implementation of research trials, including plot maintenance and treatment applications
• Collect field data (e.g., plant growth, weed pressure, soil measurements)
• Maintain clean, organized, and presentable research fields
• Support preparation for field days and other on-site events
• Perform general farm tasks as needed

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience operating tractors and basic farm equipment
• Familiarity with vegetable crop production systems
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work (lifting, bending, long hours in field conditions)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow research protocols
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to work in various weather conditions
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience in organic or regenerative agriculture systems
• Experience with irrigation systems (drip irrigation preferred)
• Previous experience supporting agricultural research trials or data collection  
• Basic mechanical skills

Work Environment:

• Outdoor, field-based work in varying weather conditions
• Physically active role requiring standing, lifting, and repetitive tasks

Schedule, Compensation & Benefits:

• This is an hourly position, $20.00 per hour
• 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day
• This is a temporary position with an anticipated timeframe of August - December 2026
• Temporary employees are eligible for statutory benefits such as social security, worker’s compensation, and unemployment compensation but are not eligible for Rodale Institute benefit programs including severance benefits

Other Expectations:

• To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.