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Student Field Assistant for University of California Cooperative Extension

Position Title: Student Field Assistant for Organic Pest Management 
Location: Yolo County, CA
Duration: Seasonal, summer 2026. Start and end date are flexible.
Time Commitment: Full time
Reports To: UCCE Small Farms Advisor and Senior Field Technician

Position Summary

The Student Field Assistant will support an exciting field-based research trial evaluating the efficacy of organic pesticides for managing cucumber beetles in melon production. Cucumber beetles are a major problem to organic growers, stifling plant establishment initially and later causing feeding damage to the rind. This position involves hands-on fieldwork, data collection, and collaboration with University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) staff and farm partners. The work will take place on a local organic farm in Yolo County and will contribute to applied research supporting organic and small-scale vegetable growers. Results of this work will be developed into extension resources for growers. 

 

Location

The primary work location is in Woodland, CA with frequent travel throughout Yolo County. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist with the setup and implementation of a field trial, including plot layout and preparation.
  • Support the finalization and implementation of field protocols in coordination with the Senior Field Assistant and UCCE Small Farms Advisor.
  • Assist with the application and support of organic pesticide treatments, following approved protocols and safety guidelines.
  • Conduct weekly field monitoring, including standardized counts of cucumber beetles in melon plots.
  • Accurately record and manage field data, including data entry and basic data quality checks.
  • Assist in preparing a final summary of results, including organizing data and contributing to written or visual summaries.
  • Communicate regularly with project collaborators and participate in field meetings as needed.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the field.

Required Qualifications

  • Interest in agriculture, pest management, entomology, agroecology, or related fields.
  • Ability to perform physical outdoor work (e.g., walking fields, bending, lifting light equipment) in variable weather conditions.
  • Attention to detail and ability to follow research protocols accurately.
  • Basic data recording and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a research team.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience with field research, agricultural production, or pest monitoring.
  • Familiarity with organic farming systems or integrated pest management (IPM).
  • Experience with data entry tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, or similar).
  • Ability to identify common insect pests

Special Conditions

  • Must maintain valid CA Drivers License. 
  • Proof of liability and property damage insurance on vehicle used is required.
  • Ability and means to work on a flexible schedule as needed, depending on field conditions and the weather.

Compensation

  • Hourly rate: $18.34
  • Benefits: Sick time accrues following California law and UC Policy for Student Assistants. 

How to Apply

Interested candidates will send a resume and cover letter to UCCE Small Farms Advisor, Margaret Lloyd, mglloyd@ucanr.edu. The cover letter should clearly state the applicants interest in supporting field-based research and demonstrate prior experience working outdoors. 

All application materials must be written entirely by the applicant without the use of generative AI tools.