Scientist, Environmental Science, Environmental Compliance & Protection

None

Lifting objects up to 50 lbs, bending, squatting, sitting for long periods of time. Regular job-related travel and ability to drive a 4X4 vehicle.

Monday
- Friday 8:00AM- 5:00PM (40 hours/wk) Possible Weekend and night work as needed.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (MG CAFE ) seeks a full-time Field Scientist to support a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS )-funded research project focused on wetland water quality in western Kentucky.

The project evaluates the effectiveness of wetlands established through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Wetland Reserve Easement ( ACEP - WRE ) in reducing nutrient and sediment transport from agricultural landscapes.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary research team investigating how wetland age and management influence surface water quality. Primary responsibilities include operating and maintaining water-quality monitoring equipment, collecting environmental samples, processing and managing data, and assisting with technical reporting.

Training will be provided for project-specific methods and instrumentation. The position requires periodic overnight travel within western Kentucky, with all project-related travel expenses covered. Candidates should possess, or be willing to obtain, a Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Remote Pilot Certificate to support aerial data collection activities.

A typical month will involve traveling to field sites throughout rural western Kentucky, often operating a pickup truck and trailer, conducting field sampling using an all-terrain vehicle ( ATV ), collecting and processing surface-water runoff samples, downloading and managing data from monitoring systems, inspecting and maintaining instrumentation, and preparing summaries and reports of field activities and data collection efforts.

The ideal candidate will possess a M.S. Degree in an agriculture, soil, water, geology, or environmental discipline, be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently in outdoor environments while contributing effectively to a collaborative scientific research team.

At the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, you’ll find a community that values collaboration, growth, and recognition. Benefits of joining our team include:
Exceptional benefits package. A formal mentoring program to support your professional development. Access to a staff development fund for continued learning and skill building. Dedicated staff recognition programs that celebrate your contributions. A shared commitment to making the University of Kentucky the University of, for, and with Kentucky.

Join us in shaping the future of teaching and learning—where innovation meets impact.

For additional information about the Plant & Soil Sciences department please . To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, .

GPS ; MS Excel, MS Word or similar software; ESRI GIS ;
Mac OS; PC OS.

MS with two or more years or BS degree with four or more years field experience (farm background, geology or forestry field course, internship or outdoor field education experience, etc.) preferred.

Valid Driver’s License preferred.

Final date to receive applications 12/09/2026

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