Field & Lab Research Technician – Soil & Water

Texas A&M AgriLife Research; Lubbock (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife is seeking a Research Technician I in Lubbock to provide field, laboratory, and greenhouse support for soil health, water conservation, and sustainable cropping systems.

Under supervision, you will assist with data collection, sample processing, equipment operation, and project logistics while traveling to research sites as needed and maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; may require experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days.
• Follow detailed scientific protocols.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for operation and maintenance of research equipment.
• Work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Responsibilities

• Assist with establishment, maintenance, and harvesting of agronomic field research trials.
• Collect soil, water, plant, and environmental samples according to established protocols.
• Support irrigation research activities, including installation and monitoring of field instrumentation.
• Operate agricultural equipment including ATVs, pickups, tractors, planters, sprayers.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities, observations, and sample inventories.
• Travel to off-station research sites as needed, requiring agency vehicle use.
• Prepare soil, water, and plant samples for laboratory analysis.
• Operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Assist with laboratory analyses related to soil fertility, soil health, water quality, and agronomic assessments.
• Maintain laboratory inventories, order supplies, and ensure proper organization.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and university regulations.
• Enter, organize, verify, and maintain research data using spreadsheets and databases.
• Assist in preparation of summaries, reports, and research documentation.
• Support quality assurance and QA procedures to ensure data integrity.
• Maintain research vehicles, field equipment, irrigation systems, and laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and coordinate repairs.
• Assist with site preparation, material procurement, and inventory tracking.
• Support extension demonstrations, field days, producer meetings, and educational outreach events.
• Participate in required training and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Two years experience

Organizational skills

Protocol adherence

Communication skills

Equipment operation

Multitasking ability

Education

Bachelor's or associate degree in Agronomy or related

Tools

Excel

Databases

Electronic data collection

GPS

GIS

Remote sensing

Irrigation systems knowledge

Job description

Texas A&M AgriLife is seeking a Research Technician I in Lubbock to provide field, laboratory, and greenhouse support for soil health, water conservation, and sustainable cropping systems.

Under supervision, you will assist with data collection, sample processing, equipment operation, and project logistics while traveling to research sites as needed and maintaining strict safety and quality standards.