Research Technician II

The College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Utah State University seeks a Research Technician to assist with farm and farm outreach activities. The successful applicant must be willing to work a flexible schedule with concentration of work load during planting, early growth, and harvest. Work load will average out to about 30 hours/ week annually (75% time).

Seeding, cultivating, irrigating, and maintaining field research plots, data collection, greenhouse management, soil and plant sample processing and analysis, and data entry and processing.

Additional responsibilities will include helping with farm outreach activities, the day to day management and training of student research assistants as well as providing practical assistance to the USU Student Organic Farm.

An employer-provided vehicle with a manual transmission is available for work. Occasional access to other reliable transportation may be needed. (Mileage will be reimbursed)

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of experience in a related field or an associate degree/vocational training
• Experience in farm machinery operation, weed control, fertility, and crop irrigation. Experience in organic farming preferred
• Experience in or ability to learn field plot maintenance and data collection and processing in both the field and laboratory

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in data collection, field plot maintenance and the operation of agricultural equipment is strongly preferred. Interest and experience in organic and or sustainable agriculture is desirable
• A bachelor's degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, soil science or other agricultural related science is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Interest and ability to assist with the day to day training of undergraduate students
• Good personal and communication skills
• Ability to learn to correctly identify weed species
• Experience in farm management
• Self-motivated
• Reliable
• Ability to work out side in adverse weather
• Attention to detail
• Experience using basic computer programs to communicate and document research

Along with the online application, please attach:

• Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
• Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

** Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

We are looking for someone who is comfortable working alone as well as in teams outside on rough terrain in potentially adverse weather conditions as well as in a laboratory environment. We also need someone who is comfortable operating small tractors and other agricultural equipment and can lift a 50lb bag of seed or fertilizer. Ability to perform general agricultural related labor including navigating uneven terrain and tolerating extreme weather conditions, dust, and pollen

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world.

With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over…