Research Technician I

tamus; United States; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Lubbock is seeking a Research Technician I to support field, laboratory, and greenhouse activities focused on soil health, water conservation, cropping systems, and sustainability. You will assist with data collection, equipment operation, and overall research logistics.

The role requires a high school diploma with two years of related experience, valid Texas driver's license, and the ability to follow protocols.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus two years of related experience.
• Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days.
• Ability to 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.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Preferred: Associate's or bachelor's degree in relevant fields.
• Experience operating agricultural field equipment.
• Experience with soil and water sampling procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with establishment, maintenance, and harvesting of agronomic field research trials.
• Collect soil, water, plant, and environmental samples according to protocols.
• Support irrigation research activities, including installation, maintenance, and monitoring of field instrumentation and sensors.
• Operate agricultural equipment including ATVs, pickups, tractors, planters, sprayers and other research equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities, observations, and sample inventories.
• Assist with travel to off-station research sites throughout Texas and neighboring states as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Recordkeeping

Written/Verbal communication

Multitasking

Independent work

Team collaboration

Detail-oriented

Scientific protocols

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Systems Management, Environmental Science, Natural Resources or related

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Databases

Electronic data collection systems

Job description

Job Title: Research Technician I

Agency: Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Department: Lubbock

Proposed Minimum Salary: Commensurate

Job Location: Lubbock, Texas

Job Type: Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

The Research Technician I, under general supervision, provides technical support for field, laboratory, and greenhouse research activities focused on soil health, water conservation, cropping systems, irrigation management, and agricultural sustainability in the Texas High Plains. The technician assists with establishing, maintaining, and collecting data for research and demonstration projects while supporting laboratory analyses, equipment operation, and overall research program logistics.

Responsibilities

Field Research Support

• Assist with the 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 the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of field instrumentation and sensors.
• Operate agricultural equipment, including ATVs, pickups, tractors, planters, sprayers, and other research equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities, observations, and sample inventories.
• Assist with travel to off-station research sites throughout Texas and neighboring states as needed, which requires operating an agency vehicle.

Laboratory Operations and Sample Processing

• 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 of laboratory facilities.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and university regulations.

Data Collection and Management

• Enter, organize, verify, and maintain research data using spreadsheets, databases, and other software platforms.
• Assist in the preparation of summaries, reports, and research documentation.
• Support quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure data integrity.

Equipment Maintenance and Logistics

• Maintain research vehicles, field equipment, irrigation systems, and laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Assist with research site preparation, material procurement, and inventory tracking.

Other Duties

• Assist faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists with research activities.
• Support extension demonstrations, field days, producer meetings, and educational outreach events.
• Participate in required training and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to 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 the operation and maintenance of research equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Systems Management, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related discipline.
• Experience operating agricultural field equipment.
• Experience with soil and water sampling procedures.
• Familiarity with GPS, GIS, remote sensing, environmental monitoring equipment, or agricultural sensors.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, databases, and electronic data collection systems.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and crop production in semi-arid environments.
• Experience working safely in agricultural research settings.

Other Requirements

• Frequent outdoor work in agricultural field environmen