Research Technician I - Iron Horse

University of Georgia; Kentucky; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,350; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Research Technician I - Iron Horse to assist a 600-acre plant sciences research farm. You will work with CAES faculty, staff and students, operate agricultural equipment, apply fertilizers and pesticides, perform soil sampling, and support field trials.

The role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and reliability, with duties distributed across field prep, maintenance, equipment upkeep and data collection.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Understanding of plant research methods and basic field practices.
• Interest in machinery operation and basic farm technology is expected.
• Proficiency with MS Office is a plus.

Responsibilities

• 60%: Support Farm Manager in crop production tasks and field research protocols.
• 20%: Maintain farm facilities and grounds, fencing, and building areas.
• 15%: Assist with maintenance of farm equipment and vehicles.
• 5%: Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Scientific method

Row-crop agriculture

Operate equipment

Team player

Precision ag equipment

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Research Technician I - Iron Horse

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15472P

Working Title: Research Technician I - Iron Horse

Department: CAES-Campbell Research & Education Center

Posting Type: External

Employment Type: Employee

Salary: $45,531, Commensurate with Experience

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

None specified

Position Summary

Assists farm manager with day‑to‑day operation of a 600 acre plant sciences research farm. Tasks include but are not limited to interacting with CAES Research Faculty, staff and students on a regular basis, operating agricultural equipment, guidance systems, variable rate controllers, applying fertilizers, applying pesticides, land prep, soil sampling, general farm maintenance and repair, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Basic understanding of the scientific method as it applies to plant research.
• Familiarity with row‑crop agriculture in the southeastern United States (corn, soybeans, cotton).
• Ability to operate large farm equipment within confined spaces.
• Willingness to work as part of an effective team and grow professionally; team player; effective listener and communicator.
• Basic understanding of precision agriculture equipment (guidance, rate control, mapping, etc.) and its operation.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

Physical Demands

• Work in adverse weather conditions.
• Lift 75 lbs.
• Driving as needed to perform job tasks.

Responsibilities

60%: Assist Farm Manager in all aspects of research project support to include crop and cash crop management/production – field prep, planting, pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, cultivation, harvest, etc. Communicate with research faculty, staff and students to ensure research protocols are met on a regular basis.

20%: Assist Farm Manager in general upkeep and maintenance of research farm facilities – general maintenance in and around multiple research farm buildings, maintaining wildlife fence, mowing grass, maintaining landscaped areas around buildings, etc.

15%: Assist Farm Manager with upkeep and maintenance of research farm agricultural equipment – tractors, implements, harvesters, etc.

5%: Other duties as assigned.

Additional Job Information

Driving is a responsibility of this position: Yes.

Position of Trust: Yes.

Access to financial resources: No.

Requires a P‑Card: No.

Direct interaction or care of children under 18 or direct patient care: No.

Security Access: Yes.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact: Gabriel Barnhart

Email: [e-mail]

Applicant Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Potential pre‑employment drug testing may be administered for positions with high‑risk responsibilities.