Research Intern on Multi-Crop, Soil, Water and Climate Studies - Klamath Basin Research & Extension Center

Short Project Description: Multiple research opportunities includes: (1) Industrial hemp grain and fiber trials (2) Potato variety trials and seed potato production (3) Winter and spring cereal grain crops (wheat and barley) variety testing trials, (4) Seeding rate fertilizer testing trials, (5) Direct and indirect involvement with scholarly activities such as data collection, arrangement, analysis, literature search etc.), (6) Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on Klamath County and Grazing Practice surveys. Intern will have opportunities to work with project leaders in each of these area as time and situation permit. Student Responsibilities: Intern will collect and read insect trapping cards weekly.

Insect identification for psyllids, leafhoppers, tuber moth, and aphids will be counted and disseminated to producers via a weekly newsletter. Intern will learn to visually detect potato viruses and confirm results using field diagnostic kits. The intern will be involved in data collection such as plant emergence, vigor, plant height, maturity, harvesting etc. for various on-going and new research projects.

Intern will be involved in plot management of hemp and small grains field trials. Forage sample collection, weighing and grinding of samples will also help to gain experiences in this research field. Intern will have opportunity to operate farm machinery as research trial needs dictate.

Data entry and summaries will be performed as appropriate. Intern will be guided by tenure track faculty in their future career direction and professional development. Project Objectives: Learn research field plot technique, analyze and interpret data, broad understanding of agronomic disciplines - plot management, pathology, entomology, soil science, etc.

Intern will work closely with project leaders and independently as appropriate. Intern will work in varying conditions both indoors and outdoors including inclement weather Preferred Skills/Experience: Good communication skills, know how to work in an interdisciplinary team, ability to operate farm machinery, and eagerness to learn are preferred skills. Intern will need to obtain ATV and forklift certification.

We will provide the training necessary to obtain these certifications if intern doesn't already possess them. We provide on-site job training so experience isn't necessary. Student Learning Outcomes: Intern will learn how to design various field plot arrangements and management, basic data entry and statistical analysis.

Intern will learn basic insect identification, disease diagnosis, weed identification, etc. Intern will also have opportunities to analyze soil sample results and interpret nutritional status of sample. Intern will learn how to supervise weather data in the field of agriculture.

Specific Duration Details: May 2022 to August 2022 Student Hourly Salary: $15.00/hour Expected Hours/Week: 40 hrs. per week, may occasionally exceed during peak rouging events. It can be less hours per week if students have other activities in summer. Hourly Working Parameters: Intern may occasionally need to irrigate on weekends or under frost events.

Supervision will be provided as needed. Housing Benefit: On-site housing is available if needed. Special Considerations: No Vehicle/Machinery Operation: Yes