Research Technician - Horticultural Science

North Carolina State University; North Carolina; On-site; USD 53,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

North Carolina State University seeks a Research Technician to support daily operations of the Horticulture Field Lab (HFL) and Fox Greenhouse, coordinating maintenance, resources, and safety compliance for multiple research projects.

The role involves working with faculty, staff, students, and industry partners, handling irrigation systems, equipment, and field activities, and supervising interns and temporary staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum Experience/Education: Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate facility maintenance and repairs for the HFL and Fox Greenhouses.
• Manage work requests and equipment resources to support ~22–25 active research projects.
• Assist with irrigation and water systems, field and greenhouse activities, and safety/compliance tasks.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Tools

Skid-steer loader

Dingo

Ditch-witch

tractor

row mulcher

Job description

Posting Details

Job Posting Information

Posting Number: PG195168SP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Research Technician - Horticultural Science

Anticipated Hiring Range: $53,140 - $55,000

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Horticultural Science

About The Department

Since 1901, the faculty, staff and students of the Department of Horticultural Science have been providing innovative teaching, research and outreach to the citizens of North Carolina, the nation, and the world. Our research and extension programs are recognized worldwide for their contributions to applied horticultural production and to discovery science. We generate and extend knowledge about fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and landscape design for the purpose of increasing food security and food safety, sustaining the environment, enhancing economic vitality, and improving the quality of life for individuals and their communities.

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.

• Medical , Dental , and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

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.

Essential Job Duties

The Department of Horticultural Science is seeking a motivated and experienced professional to support the day-to-day operations of the Horticulture Field Lab ( HFL ), a large-scale outdoor and greenhouse research complex serving faculty, students, researchers, and industry partners across multiple departments. The HFL supports a wide range of field and greenhouse research, teaching, extension, and industry testing activities and is home to the JC Raulston Arboretum.

The position provides operational and research support for the HFL and assists with operations at the Fox and HFL Greenhouses. The position works closely with the HFL /Fox Greenhouse Coordinator and HFL Research Operations Coordinator to maintain safe, efficient, and functional research and teaching environments. Responsibilities include coordinating facility maintenance and repairs, managing work requests and equipment resources, supporting irrigation and water systems, maintaining operational and inventory records, assisting with field and greenhouse activities, and coordinating resources to meet the needs of approximately 22–25 active research projects and Principal Investigators.

The position serves as a key operational resource for faculty, staff, students, and other facility users and assists with the planning and allocation of facility space, equipment, and other resources. Additional responsibilities include supporting safety and compliance activities, guiding temporary personnel in facility operations, assisting with teaching and extension events, and monitoring facility operations during weekends or other periods when designated coordinators are unavailable. The successful candidate will be expected to independently prioritize competing requests, troubleshoot operational challenges, coordinate resources, and effectively communicate with a varied group of facility users and stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities

• Supervise HFL interns and bi-weekly employees.
• Operate skid-steer loader, Dingo, Ditch-witch, tractor, row mulcher.
• Teach students how to use machinery and conduct various landscape contracting activities.
• Install research project plots, apply herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, and other necessary maintenance chemicals.
• Repair buildings, greenhouses, polyhouses, irrigation lines, and nursery pads.
• Repair electrical problems, apply poly to houses.
• Manufacture and deliver mulch as part of campus closed loop initiative (2500 yards).
• Assist JCRA with various education projects and construction activities.
• Host field days.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education: Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Plumbing, small equipment use, and mechanical aptitude are not required, but helpful skills for this position.

Required License Or Certification

• Valid driver’s license.
• Valid NCDL within 60 days of hire.
• Pesticide license

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?: No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date: 08/12/2026

Earliest Close Date: 08/19/2026 (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.)

Position Details

Position Number: 00050246

Position Type: SHRA

Position Classification Band Title: Research Technician

Position Classification Band Level: Advanced

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

Salary Grade Equivalency: MH08

Alternative 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): 1.00

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Time Limited Position: No

Department Id: 111501 - Horticultural Science

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.