Center for Irrigation Technology Hydraulics Laboratory Lead Research Technician

(Equipment Technician III, Specialized Equipment)

Compensation and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $5,600 - $6,250 per month

Full CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,394 - $7,950 per month

• This is a full-time (equivalent to 40 hours per week), probationary, non-exempt position.

The CSU system provides a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), sick and vacation time, and 14 paid holidays a year. Eligible employees are also able to participate in the fee waiver education program. A summary of benefit information can be found here.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) Director, the Hydraulics Laboratory Lead Research Technician oversees the day-to-day operations, management, and maintenance of the CIT testing facilities including the Water, Energy and Technology (WET) Center lab. This position supervises and performs standardized testing on irrigation and water technology and assists in developing research and testing protocols for various hydraulic equipment such as, but not limited to, valves, sprinklers, pumps, hydrometers, etc. This position also oversees research projects and installs, repairs, maintains, and assembles a variety of research support equipment. Duties in this position include data collection, analysis, report writing, and dissemination. This position works directly with customers, Fresno State personnel, and students and provides technical assistance. The Lead Research Technician is expected to facilitate and maintain professional relationships with outside organizations as well as customers.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
  • statistical principles, sampling techniques and procedures, and report preparation.
  • hydraulic principles.
  • International Standards Organization (ISO) standards including 17025.
  • U.S. standards including EPA WaterSense standardized testing protocols.
  • programmable logic controllers, sensors, motors, electricity, hydraulic and field equipment.
  • performance testing pumps and motors.
  • safety practices, procedures, rules and precautions associated with equipment and working conditions.
  • safety related training, principles and materials used in area of assignment.
• Skills to:
  • utilize tools and operate equipment in the performance of laboratory and field testing.
  • install irrigation systems, pumps, electrical systems, data acquisition systems, Campbell scientific electronic loggers, wireless receivers, transmitters, and computer systems.
  • Safely hookup single and three phase pump motors.
• Ability to:
  • conduct testing and research activities following established procedures and/or standards.
  • interpret and implement schematics and drawings (such as electrical).
  • collect, compile, and analyze field and laboratory research data and prepare reports and presentations.
  • conduct testing and research to develop recommendations regarding grants proposals for program funding.
  • analyze current testing procedures and make recommendations for future modifications or expansion.
  • design and develop test setups and manuals to ISO, EPA, and ASABE protocols.
  • develop and design protocols for field applications of new technologies and developing technologies.
  • plan, organize, and coordinate the work of technical projects.
  • communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and prepare detailed written information.
  • work effectively with growers, farm personnel, resource agency collaborators, faculty, staff, and students from diverse ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.

To view the full list of qualifications and job responsibilities, please click the Position Description button above.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Industrial Technology from an accredited four (4) year college or university, including or supplemented by a course in statistics or electronics.
• Equivalent to four years of experience in technical or field research in irrigation technology, field applications of new technologies or related experience.
• Three (3) years designing and installing research equipment.
• Three (3) years’ experience working with electricity and electrical equipment.
• Three (3) years’ experience designing and installing mobile solar-powered test equipment.
• Three (3) years’ experience programming data loggers and working with soil moisture sensor technology.
  • Specialized Skills:
    • Maintain a valid driver’s license and provide proof of a good driving record as determined by a check for violations recorded with the Department of Motor Vehicles.  As a condition of continued employment, must successfully complete Defensive Driving Course as prescribed by University regulations relating to driving any vehicle on state business.
  • Preferred Skills:
    • Experience working with water and ag industry customers.
    • Two (2) years supervising in a laboratory setting.
    • Training in CRBasic.
    • Certified by Campbell Scientific to work with CR1000 and other Campbell Scientific equipment.
    • Possess technical field training to be able to design support networks and electrical field equipment.
    • Ability to speak and write effectively.
    • Ability to speak Spanish.

Department Summary

The Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) supports developing and deploying technologies that will bring the world the most innovative products and resource management tools. The Center is built on a foundation of innovation and technology transfer focused on testing, applied research, and entrepreneurship. 

Deadline & Application Instructions

This position is open until filled.

Please click “Apply Now” to complete the employment application for California State University, Fresno. Interested applicants must complete the application and attach the following: 1) their most recent resumé/vitae, 2) a cover letter that addresses their specific qualifications and interest, and 3) contact information for three professional references.

Fresno State

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Metropolitan Fresno, with a multi-ethnic population of over 527,000, is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. The campus is within driving distance of Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, San Francisco, Los Angeles, the Monterey Peninsula, beaches, sailing, lakes, and numerous ski resorts. Fresno boasts one of the most reasonable housing markets in California and offers a wide array of locally grown fruits and produce.

Equal Employment Opportunity Information

California State University, Fresno is committed to maintaining and implementing employment policies and procedures in compliance with applicable state and federal equal employment opportunity laws and regulations. Executive Orders 1096 and 1097 prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of a protected status: race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including gender identity), sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition and covered veteran status. Fresno State's commitment to diversity informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. We are proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

Vaccination Interim Policy

Supplemental Information

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with California State University, Fresno. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Fresno State has identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" under the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. This will require the filing of a Statement of Economic Interest on an annual basis and the completion of training within six (6) months of assuming office and every two (2) years thereafter.

Fresno State is a tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free campus.

Fresno State is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. (e.g. H1-B Visas)