SAM Site Support Coordinator (Part Time) (Extended Temporary Employment)

Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona is in search of a SAM Site Support Coordinator. The SAM Site Support Coordinator will assist the Director to coordinate day to day operations at SAM. This includes hosting a daily meeting with on-site staff, coordinating a list of action items in both construction and research projects; hands-on construction, fabrication, cleaning, and assisting with research projects, from planting food cultivars to harvesting/processing, and collecting; hosting visitors for tours, and coordinating with local, domestic, and international research teams that desire to bring their projects to SAM.

Biosphere 2 advances our understanding of natural and human-made ecosystems through integrated research that drives the discovery and development of interventions that increase the resilience and sustainability of Earth systems and human quality of life. We advance research in our unique facilities, conduct interdisciplinary science education, and foster leadership initiatives focused on developing scalable solutions for our planet and beyond.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design, fabrication, maintenance, and coordination of existing and new on-site research projects. Historically this included two generations of hydroponics racks that exist in SAM. This includes physical construction of the entire facility, including work with metal, plastic, wood, glass, caulking, paint, and instrumentation computer control systems.
• Provide assistance to the director with local, domestic and international communications, local, domestic, and international.
• On site team coordination of local SAM staff (Nesco) and UA students working at SAM, including those involved in fabrication, repair, operations, and conducting scientific experiments in collaboration with Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• A greater than average understanding of plant physiology, hands-on experience with fabrication with steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, and glass. An understanding of the requirements and maintenance of a sealed research facility. Ability to work with K-12 students, visitors from across the academic world, and sometimes grumpy management.
• Strong sense of organization and associated ability to manage countless thousands of physical parts of a complex, growing research facility. Proactive approach to issues, solving small problems before they become bigger problems.
• Ability to juggle a wide variety of tasks, communicate effectively, an ability to bring organization out of chaos, and maintain a positive attitude.
• Skill with tools, including but not limited to drill, impact wrench, chop saw, drill press, orbital sander, paint and brush, and cleaning implements.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency
• 3 years of experience with hydroponics, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.