Irrigation/Agronomy Research Technician
Ref: C/2006A Irrigation/Agronomy Research Technician
A prototype intelligent, low-cost irrigation scheduling system using wireless sensor networks was developed by the EU “WaterBee” project. The follow-on EU “WaterBee Demonstration Action” project is now continuing in Cranfield Health and aims to further develop the WaterBee prototype and to demonstrate the system in a range of situations around Europe. We require a self-motivated and energetic research technician to provide expertise in practical agronomy and irrigation to the WaterBee DA project; the main role will be to ensure successful trialling of the prototype irrigation scheduling system at six working farm sites within Europe, working closely with local members of the WaterBee consortium. You will also carry out research trials locally to Cranfield University to optimise installation methods, to compare sensors, to investigate data variability and to validate scheduling models. You will contribute to the organisation of a demonstration event and complete project reports.
You must have practical knowledge of irrigation systems, irrigation scheduling and general agronomy This includes experience of running field trials and all aspects of crop husbandry, and collecting agronomic data, e.g. yield components, crop quality, inputs of labour and resources. As the WaterBee system involves large numbers of sensors with data collected wirelessly, or through data-loggers in scientific trials, good practical knowledge of working with mobile phone network issues and data-loggers is required, however advice on these matters will also be available from experts within the project consortium. You will also have experience of working in multidisciplinary teams and an understanding of the issues experienced by communications engineers, installers, growers and equipment suppliers, and be able to communicate effectively with these consortium members.
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