Irrigation Management Technician III; North Platte, NE

The West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte, Nebraska, advances agricultural research and education to support farmers, ranchers, and communities across the state. Through field-based research and educational outreach, the center helps address emerging challenges and strengthen Nebraska’s agricultural industry.

As an Irrigation Management Technician III
, you will:

• Aid in research plot design and implementing experiments during planting, fertilizer application, in-season plant data collection, and harvesting.
• Perform sensor installations, maintenance, and related data collection and analysis while maintaining research project integrity, by identifying and correcting current or potential data anomalies and causes.
• Operate irrigation systems including sub-surface drip and linear sprinkler systems as well as their maintenance with ability to identify and troubleshoot failures/faults and fixing them.
• Train summer workers and maintain research farm equipment (tractors, planters, sprayers, etc.).
• Assist with coordinating and conducting on-farm trials for area producers as well.

Irregular hours are required seasonally, and all research protocols have to be followed accordingly. This position is located in North Platte, NE.

Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician III.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See Notice of Nondiscrimination

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and certified as a Family Friendly Workplace
. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Mechanized Systems Management or related field plus one year of agricultural or related crop production experience. Additional relevant experience can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with spreadsheet and word-processing software.
• Working knowledge of crop production, research protocols, and various irrigation systems, designs, and options.
• Ability to operate and maintain farm machinery and irrigation equipment.
• Plan and carry out maintenance/improvements of data sensors and loggers, irrigation machinery, and research plots.
• Data collection, basic analysis, and report writing skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.

• Experience working with mechanized system management and various irrigation systems: center pivot, lateral-move, sub-surface drip, surface, etc.

• Pre-Placement Driving Record Review
  
  Required:
  
  Yes
• Physical
  
  Required:
  
  Yes
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.
• Criminal History Background Check
  
  Required:
  
  Yes

• Job Type: Full-Time
• Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5):
  Evenings and weekends may be required seasonally
• Work Location…