Rodale Institute’s California Organic Center (COC) is seeking a Temporary Field Technician to support ongoing research trials and farm operations during the 2026 growing season. This position will play a critical role in maintaining field activities, supporting data collection, and ensuring the site is well-managed for research and outreach events.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Operate tractors and farm equipment for field preparation, cultivation, and cover crop management
Assist with irrigation setup, maintenance, and monitoring
Support planting, transplanting, and general crop management activities
Assist with implementation of research trials, including plot maintenance and treatment applications
Collect field data (e.g., plant growth, weed pressure, soil measurements)
Maintain clean, organized, and presentable research fields
Support preparation for field days and other on-site events
Perform general farm tasks as needed
Required Qualifications & Experience:
Experience operating tractors and basic farm equipment
Familiarity with vegetable crop production systems
Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work (lifting, bending, long hours in field conditions)
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow research protocols
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work in various weather conditions
Valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications & Experience:
Experience in organic or regenerative agriculture systems
Experience with irrigation systems (drip irrigation preferred)
Previous experience supporting agricultural research trials or data collection
Basic mechanical skills
Work Environment:
Outdoor, field-based work in varying weather conditions
Physically active role requiring standing, lifting, and repetitive tasks
Schedule, Compensation & Benefits:
This is an hourly position, $20.00 per hour
40 hours per week, 8 hours per day
This is a temporary position with an anticipated timeframe of July - December 2026
Temporary employees are eligible for statutory benefits such as social security, worker’s compensation, and unemployment compensation but are not eligible for Rodale Institute benefit programs including severance benefits
Other Expectations:
To be trustful and respectful to all staff and visitors
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, sexual identity or handicap.
