Agriculture Research Specialist Sr

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation including lifting 50lb seed and fertilizer bags.

Primarily days (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm).

Advance Forage Research That Supports Kentucky Agriculture
The University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Research Specialist Sr to lead the university’s forage variety testing program and support research that helps producers make informed crop management decisions.
This role combines field research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and program coordination to evaluate forage crop performance across Kentucky. Working closely with faculty, Extension personnel, industry partners, and agricultural producers, the successful candidate will play a key role in generating research-based recommendations that support the state’s agricultural industry.

• Coordinate and manage forage variety trials across multiple research locations
• Plan and oversee land preparation, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and data collection activities
• Analyze research data and prepare annual variety test reports and other publications
• Collaborate with seed companies to identify and evaluate forage varieties suited to Kentucky growing conditions
• Communicate trial results to industry partners, producers, Extension personnel, and other stakeholders
• Maintain and oversee research equipment, including harvesters, planters, sprayers, and related machinery
• Assist with field days, tours, workshops, presentations, and outreach activities
• Supervise temporary employees and graduate students while supporting collaborative research efforts

• Experience conducting agricultural field trials or applied research programs
• Knowledge of forage production, pasture management, and crop evaluation methods
• Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting skills
• Experience working with agricultural equipment and field operations
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects across locations and growing seasons
• 3 years of related experience

• Meaningful impact:
  Support research that directly benefits agricultural producers across Kentucky
• Field-based work:
  Combine hands‑on research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement
• Professional growth:
  Develop expertise in forage systems, crop evaluation, and agricultural research
• Industry connections:
  Work closely with seed companies, Extension personnel, researchers, and producers
• Collaborative environment:
  Partner with faculty and research teams across the state

Selecting the right forage varieties has a direct impact on farm productivity, profitability, and long‑term sustainability. As producers face changing environmental conditions and an expanding selection of forage products, reliable research data is more important than ever.

In this role, you’ll help generate the information producers rely on to make sound management decisions while contributing to research, outreach, and education efforts that strengthen Kentucky agriculture for years to come.

No

Final date to receive applications 08/27/2026

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.