Field Data Scientist - Precision Agriculture & GIS

Agricultural Data Researcher - Morris, MN

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Overview
The Agricultural Data Technician is a 100% full-time position located at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) in Morris, MN and will support a multi-site precision agriculture research initiative focused on reducing agricultural inputs while improving environmental and economic outcomes for farmers. This position is part of a statewide sentinel farm network designed to generate foundational data for the development of precision agriculture best management practices (BMPs).

This position will work within commercial-scale cropping systems and assist with large-scale field data collection, geospatial data management, and precision technology implementation. This role includes both outdoor field work and computer-based data management and analysis.
This is a two-year, externally funded appointment with potential for extension based on continued funding.

Key Responsibilities
Field Research & Data Collection (35%)

• Conduct soil, plant, and other crop sampling.
• Collect and verify agricultural equipment monitoring data.
• Record field observations and maintain accurate sampling documentation.
• Travel between research sites as needed.
• Support ground-truthing activities for remote sensing and modeling efforts.

Precision Agriculture Technology Support (25%)

• Assist with UAV (drone) operations and imagery collection.
• Download and organize multispectral, RGB, and satellite imagery datasets.
• Manage GIS shape files and tractor-generated spatial datasets.
• Support data integration across multiple agricultural software platforms.
• Conduct basic quality control of spatial and agronomic datasets.

Data Management & Reporting (15%)

• Organize and clean datasets using Excel and related software.
• Assist in summarizing findings for research reports and outreach materials.
• Generate tables, graphs, and summary statistics.
• Support secure archival storage and documentation of datasets.

Equipment & Operational Support (10%)

• Assist in calibration, operations, and maintenance of agricultural field equipment and sensors.
• Support setup and monitoring of GPS, controllers, and precision application systems.
• Troubleshoot minor mechanical and technical issues.
• Follow safety and compliance requirements, including UAV regulations.

Outreach and Communication Activities (10%)

• Assist in preparation of handouts and written content.
• Represent the project at trade shows, exhibitions, and outreach events.
• Organize photos and videos for use in outreach materials.

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years in an area of Agronomy, Plant Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Systems Management, or a related science field.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel between research sites.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and comfort working around agricultural equipment.
• Ability to perform physically demanding field tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Midwest crop production systems.
• Familiarity with precision agriculture technologies (yield monitors, variable rate equipment, GPS systems).
• Experience with GIS platforms (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) or agricultural data software.
• Experience operating or assisting with drone-based data collection.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Basic programming experience (Python, R, or similar).
• Previous experience working on a research farm or commercial farm.

Working Conditions

• Combination of outdoor field work and indoor computer-based work.
• Seasonal workload variation aligned with planting and harvest schedules.
• Occasional travel to other Minnesota research locations.
• Exposure to farm environments including dust, noise, and uneven terrain.

About the Department

The University of Minnesota's West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is a 1,100 acre research farm located in Morris, MN. The WCROC is part of the University of MN College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences providing a tradition of excellence in applied agricultural research and education for farmers and rural communities in crop production, animal sciences, horticulture, water quality, organic and conventional dairy, swine production, and renewable energy.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $26.50 - $28.50 per hour, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and…