Livestock Research Technologist

Montgomery County Maryland; Parsons (KS); On-site; USD 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

K-State Research and Extension at the Southeast Research and Extension Center in Parsons, KS seeks a technically skilled animal care technician for beef cattle research. The role ensures adherence to protocols, implements new technology, maintains animal welfare, and monitors cattle performance, health, reproduction, and treatment responses.

Primary duties include assisting with forage and grain production, and maintenance of equipment and facilities; on-site work with reporting to the Mound

Qualifications

• Requires an associate degree and two years of relevant experience; CDL desired.
• Beef Quality Assurance certification preferred.
• Ability to drive farm equipment safely; English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical animal care for beef cattle research per protocols.
• Monitor health, reproduction and treatment responses; implement new tech.
• Assist with forage and grain production; maintain equipment and facilities.

Skills

Driving large farm equipment

Welding

Pesticide safety knowledge

English communication

Equipment maintenance

Education

Associate degree in Agriculture/Animal Science

Beef Quality Assurance certification

Tools

Beef insemination equipment

Ultrasound equipment

Job description

About This Role

This position is responsible for performing the technical animal care work for the beef cattle research program at the Mound Valley, KS unit of the Southeast Research & Extension Center. The position ensures research protocols are followed accurately, new technology is correctly implemented, animal welfare standards are maintained, and cattle performance, health, reproduction, and treatment responses are properly monitored. The position also assists with forage and grain production and equipment and facility maintenance.

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, if not already licensed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An associate degree with a major in Agriculture, Animal Science, or other related field
• Beef Quality Assurance certification
• Certified Artificial Insemination technician
• Ultrasound Guidelines Council certified technician
• Ability to drive large and small farm equipment safely and skillfully
• Welding, fence construction, and mechanical abilities
• 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
• Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing

Additional Role Information:

• 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