Crop Research Technologist

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University is seeking a Crop Research Technologist to support the Southeast Research and Extension Center with field plot management, planting, harvesting, and data analysis. You will operate and troubleshoot specialized equipment and precision ag technologies used in research protocols, and assist with cattle care for related projects.

The role requires an associate degree and two years of relevant experience, plus a valid driver's license and willingness to obtain a CDL.

Qualifications

• Requires an associate degree and two years of relevant experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must be capable and willing to obtain CDL.

Responsibilities

• Manage field plots for grain crops and forage research, including planting and harvesting.
• Conduct field and laboratory evaluations and manage research data.
• Operate, calibrate, diagnose, modify, and repair specialized ag equipment and precision technologies.
• Support beef cattle research through cattle care and facility maintenance.

Skills

English communication

Safe operation of farm equipment

Problem solving

Data collection & analysis

Education

Associate degree in Agriculture/related field

Job description

Crop Research Technologist

Kansas State University

About This Role

This position performs specialized technical agronomic work in support of research programs at the Southeast Research & Extension Center. It coordinates grain crop and forage research through field plot management, planting and harvesting, field and laboratory evaluations, and the collection, management, and analysis of research data. The position operates and troubleshoots specialized agricultural equipment and precision agriculture technologies and calibrates, diagnoses, modifies, and repairs equipment used to implement research protocols. It also supports related beef cattle research through cattle care and management and maintains equipment and facilities necessary to support research and station operations.

About Us

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. We are a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county government, with offices in every Kansas county. We conduct research throughout Kansas that is shared by Extension agents and others on our websites and through numerous conferences, workshops, field days, publications, newsletters and more.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site. The Southeast Research and Extension Center in Parsons, KS is the base of operations, but the person selected for this position will primarily report to the Mound Valley, KS field site. All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires an associate degree and two years of relevant experience.

Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the applied engineering knowledge, technical design expertise and analytical skills necessary to construct, modify and maintain experimental equipment and support complex research processes within a laboratory environment. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential experience inherent in a formal degree program.

• Valid driver's license.
• Must be capable and willing to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if not already licensed.

Preferred Qualifications

• An associate degree with a major in Agriculture, Animal Science, or other related field
• Ability to drive large and small farm equipment safely and skillfully
• Ability to recognize plant diseases and signs of insect infestation
• Knowledge of the hazards and effects of pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc.) and the ability to read and interpret label and MSDS instructions regarding safe and proper use of agricultural chemicals
• Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions pertaining to repair, maintenance, and operation of agricultural equipment, vehicles, and power tools
• Knowledge of the methods, practices, techniques and tools used in planting and the ability to read and follow plans and designs for planting trees, shrubs, grasses, and crop plants
• Ability to set up, calibrate, and operate precision agricultural equipment
• Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing

Additional Role Information

• Must be certified, or capable and willing to be certified, to apply restricted-use pesticides to crops, including Category 1A and Category 10: Demonstration and Research

Sponsorship Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Application Window

Applications close on: October 4, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$20.67 - $24.03 per hour