Research Technician II

Utah State University; Logan (OH); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Utah State University in Logan seeks a Research Technician II to assist with farm and outreach activities. The successful applicant will support planting, growth, and harvest cycles, data collection, and field plot maintenance, with about 30 hours per week (75% time).

The role involves operating farm equipment, guiding student researchers, and contributing to outreach through the USU Student Organic Farm. A flexible schedule is possible.

Qualifications

• Two years of related field experience or an associate degree.
• Experience with farm machinery, weed control, fertility, and irrigation; organic farming preferred.
• Ability to learn field plot maintenance and data collection in field and lab.

Responsibilities

• Seed, cultivate, irrigate, and maintain field research plots.
• Data collection, greenhouse management, soil and plant sample processing and data entry.
• Assist with farm outreach and supervise student researchers; provide practical support to the USU Student Organic Farm.

Skills

Farm machinery operation

Weed control

Soil and crop irrigation

Data collection

Data processing

Communication skills

Field work resilience

Education

Associate degree or vocational training

Bachelor's in horticulture or related

Tools

Small tractors

Agricultural equipment

Job description

Research Technician II

• City: Logan Campus
• Posted Date: 2 days ago (10/31/2026 11:21 AM)
• Requisition ID: 2026-10889
• # of Openings: 1
• Job Locations: US-UT-Logan
• Category (Portal Searching): Research (non-Faculty)
• Position Type: Benefited Full-Time
• Job Classification: Non-Exempt
• Percent of Time or Hours per Week: 30 Hours per week
• College: Quinney College of Agric & Nat Res
• Department: Plants Soils & Climate
• Advertised Salary: Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits
• Telework Eligible: No

Overview

The College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at Utah State University seeks a Research Technician to assist with farm and farm outreach activities. The successful applicant must be willing to work a flexible schedule with concentration of work load during planting, early growth, and harvest. Work load will average out to about 30 hours/ week annually (75% time).

Responsibilities

Seeding, cultivating, irrigating, and maintaining field research plots, data collection, greenhouse management, soil and plant sample processing and analysis, and data entry and processing.
Additional responsibilities will include helping with farm outreach activities, the day to day management and training of student research assistants as well as providing practical assistance to the USU Student Organic Farm.

An employer-provided vehicle with a manual transmission is available for work. Occasional access to other reliable transportation may be needed. (Mileage will be reimbursed)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years of experience in a related field or an associate degree/vocational training
• Experience in farm machinery operation, weed control, fertility, and crop irrigation. Experience in organic farming preferred
• Experience in or ability to learn field plot maintenance and data collection and processing in both the field and laboratory

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in data collection, field plot maintenance and the operation of agricultural equipment is strongly preferred. Interest and experience in organic and or sustainable agriculture is desirable
• A bachelor's degree in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, soil science or other agricultural related science is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Interest and ability to assist with the day to day training of undergraduate students
• Good personal and communication skills
• Ability to learn to correctly identify weed species
• Experience in farm management
• Self-motivated
• Reliable
• Ability to work out side in adverse weather
• Attention to detail
• Experience using basic computer programs to communicate and document research

Required Documents

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits

ADA

We are looking for someone who is comfortable working alone as well as in teams outside on rough terrain in potentially adverse weather conditions as well as in a laboratory environment. We also need someone who is comfortable operating small tractors and other agricultural equipment and can lift a 50lb bag of seed or fertilizer. Ability to perform general agricultural related labor including navigating uneven terrain and tolerating extreme weather conditions, dust, and pollen

University Highlights

As Utah’s student-centered, land-grant research university, Utah State University expands opportunity and strengthens communities across the state through learning, discovery, extension, and engagement. Founded in 1888, USU now holds two Carnegie distinctions: R1 status for very high research activity and the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification. Its innovative research and scholarship is grounded in reciprocal partnerships with local, regional, and global communities, advancing knowledge and serving the public good across Utah, the nation, and the world. With over 50 world-class research facilities and the nation’s second-oldest undergraduate research program, USU prepares students to become active, civically engaged leaders who can address critical societal challenges.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level in 16 sports, USU is a proud member of the Pac-12 Conference, which it joined July 1, 2026. The Aggies capped a historic final season in the Mountain West by capturing nine combined regular-season and tournament titles in 2025-26, with five teams advancing to postseason play. This tradition of excellence extends to the classroom, where 232 student-athletes earned academic honors, and to the community, where USU ranked second nationally in Division I service hours, with nine teams placing in the top 10 for community service.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when it named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at 435-797-0122 or [e-mail].

*updated 10/26

Notice of Non-discrimination

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following office has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Civil Rights & Title IX Office

Old Main Room 405

1475 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322

[e-mail]

[phone]

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| [e-mail]

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 | [e-mail]

*updated 08/2026