Barley Agronomy Internship (University of Idaho Extension)
Position Overview: The Barley Agronomy program is housed at the University of Idaho’s Aberdeen Research and Outreach Center. The Barley Agronomy program researches sustainable irrigated barley and wheat production strategies with emphasis on nutrient management, plant health, and soil and water quality for yield and end-use quality.
As an intern in the program, you may work on one or more of the following projects:
- Barley and wheat production using different sulfur fertilizer rate and sources
- Nitrogen fertility requirements of barley and wheat following annual HiNitro alfalfa termination
- Wild oat and lodging control when plant growth regulators and herbicides are tank mixed
- Liming to remediate acidic soils
- Seeding rate and date effects on winter wheat production
- Utilizing winter annual cereal crops for forage
- Culinary mustard responses to seeding rate, and nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and micronutrient fertilizers
As an intern, you will learn the principles of conducting small grain research by assisting in soil and plant tissue sample collection and data analysis. You will associate with UI county extension educators from across eastern Idaho and help organize and conduct field days. You will also learn to use various pieces of lab and field equipment.
Responsibilities:
- Learn to use the scientific method to address nutrient management in barley and wheat production
- Assist in managing experimental field plots and collecting soil and plant tissue samples
- Learn to utilize laboratory equipment to analyze soil and plant tissue samples for nutrient content
Expectations and requirements:
This internship will involve indoor and outdoor work under potentially inclement weather conditions. While a driver’s license is not required for the internship, it is required to drive the Barley Agronomy program vehicles.
Expected hours of work:
- May to December (Start and end dates are flexible based on the candidate’s
schedule)
- Typical, daily farm hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional hours outside this window
- ≤40 hours per week, with occasional overtime
If you have any questions about the position, please reach out to Dr. Jared Spackman at jspackman@uidaho.edu or 208-844-6323.