Research Technician

NC State University; Kinston, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare benefits

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Wellness Programs

Job summary

NC State University seeks a Research Technician to support the Cunningham Research Station in Kinston, NC. The role covers establishing and maintaining crops, vegetables, fruits, and tobacco, and assisting with project data collection and treatment applications.

Responsibilities include operating farm equipment, applying pesticides and fertilizers, laying out plots, and maintaining facilities. A valid NC driver’s license and forklift certification within 6 months are required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
• Preferred Qualifications outline knowledge of agricultural practices, experience with farm equipment, ability to read pesticide labels and record data.

Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and dispose of field crops, vegetables, fruit, and tobacco.
• Apply treatments per protocol (pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation)
• Operate a wide range of agricultural equipment for field prep, treatment, and harvest.
• Assist with plot layout, treatments, and data collection.
• Hand planting and harvest operations.
• Work with irrigation systems (solid set, drip, linear).
• Maintain equipment, grounds, buildings, and field plots.

Skills

Agricultural practices

Farm equipment operation

Pesticide labels understanding

Data collection

Tools

Agricultural equipment

Job description

Job Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number PG195039SP

Internal Recruitment

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title

Working Title Research Technician

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with experience ($43,116)

Work Schedule

Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 7am - 4pm (Seasonal overtime, occasional nights and weekends)

Job Location

Job Location Kinston, NC

Department

About the Department

The Lower Coastal Plan/Cunningham Research Station Station is one of eighteen agricultural research centers in the State of North Carolina. North Carolina State University owns the Cunningham Research Station Research Station with operational management through the North Carolina Agriculture Research Service and the Division of Research Stations. North Carolina State University and the Division of Research Stations establish the general operating procedures. The primary purpose of the Research Station is to provide land, personnel, expertise, facilities and equipment to research scientists conducting agricultural research projects which address specific questions of crop production in North Carolina.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

The Research Technician position is a multi-disciplinary agricultural research field position in support of all research station operations. This position will assist with all tasks related to the establishment, maintenance, and disposition of field crops, vegetables, fruit, and tobacco.
This includes, but is not limited to:

• Application of treatments to research subjects according to protocol, including pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation.
• Operation of a wide variety of agricultural equipment to prepare fields, apply treatments, and harvest crops.
• Assist research personnel with plot layout, implementation of treatments, and collection and recording of data.
• Hand planting and harvest.
• Working with various types of irrigation equipment, including laying solid set pipe, drip, and linear irrigation systems.

This position will also assist with the maintenance of equipment, grounds, buildings, field plots, and other tasks. The validity of a research test depends upon the quality of work in the Research Technician position.

This position is located in Kinston, NC.

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with general upkeep and maintenance of overall facility and equipment.
• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of agricultural practices related to crop and livestock production. Experience in agriculture and/or agricultural research.
• Experience operating and adjusting farm equipment, including calibration.
• Ability to read and follow pesticide labels and research protocols.
• Ability to collect and record data accurately.

Required License or Certification

• Must obtain NCDA &CS Forklift Driver certification within 6 months of hire.
• A valid driver’s license is required for travel. NC driver’s license required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

Valid NC Driver's License required

Valid NC Driver's License required Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 06/04/2026

Earliest Close Date----

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.) 08/31/2026

Position Number

Position Number 00050161

Position Type

Position Type SHRA

Position Classification Band Title

Position Classification Band Title Research Technician

Position Classification Band Level

Position Classification Band Level Journey

Position Classification Salary Range

Position Classification Salary Range $ 34,320 - $ 72,734

Salary Grade Equivalency

Salary Grade Equivalency MH06

Alternate Option

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.00

Appointment

Appointment 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory - Medical Emergencies

Time Limited Position

Time Limited Position No

Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)

Department Id

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail] .
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

NC STATE UNIVERSITY
RALEIGH, NC 27695
PHONE: [phone]