THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE IS AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

ANNOUNCEMENT NO: RA-04-097L

POSITION: Agricultural Engineer/Plant Physiologist

LOCATION: Sidney, MT

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: This position is located at the Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory, Agricultural Systems Research Unit, in Sidney, Montana. It is part of the national ARS program on integrated cropping systems. As a critical part of a research team, the assignment is to: 1) to develop automated, real-time irrigation scheduling techniques for self-propelled center pivot water application systems based on feedback from an integrated wireless network of spatially-distributed micrometeorological, soil water, and other types of in-field sensors across a field; 2) to predict and compare measured crop water use with both well-established techniques and in-field sensor-based measurement systems for use in computerized site-specific, real-time crop water management control systems under center pivot irrigation systems; 3) to develop criteria for the optimal site-specific configurations and locations of various spatially-distributed sensor systems; and 4) to work in collaboration with other ARS and university precision irrigation groups nationally to improve related instrumentation and water management decision support efforts. The person in this position will be afforded the chance to develop new and important techniques for real time irrigation water management and decision support for enhanced water and energy conservation under self-propelled irrigation systems.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Recent Ph.D. in agricultural engineering, microclimatology, soil physics or related physical science is required. Knowledge of irrigation technologies, soil chemical and physical processes is required. Training in microclimate measurement techniques, remote sensing, and plant physiology is highly desirable, and skill in operation of field instrumentation and dataloggers will be useful. Ability to work across disciplines as a team member and excellent oral and written communication skills are expected.

FOR INFORMATION ON SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, SALARY, BENEFITS, OR APPLICATION FORMS, CONTACT:

Sharon Wilson
Human Resources Specialist
5601 Sunnyside Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705-5106
Phone: 301 504-1567

FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION OR TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CONTACT:

Dr. Robert G. Evans
USDA/ARS/NPARL
1500 N Central Avenue
Sidney, Montana 59270
Phone: 406-433-9496
Fax: 406-433-5038
Email: revans@Sidney.ars.usda.gov