Research Technologist

Montgomery County Maryland; Garden City (KS); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University’s Southwest Research-Extension Center is seeking a position to support the irrigation program for research and extension activities at the center. The role involves hands-on work with experimental equipment and collaboration with a team of researchers to advance crop production knowledge.

Ideal candidates will have an associate degree plus two years of relevant experience, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work on-site in Kansas.

Qualifications

• Requires an associate degree and two years of relevant experience.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Education beyond the minimum may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.

Responsibilities

• Support irrigation research and extension activities on and off research plots.
• Operate and maintain experimental irrigation equipment and assist with data collection.

Skills

Effective communication

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Driver's license

Job description

About This Role

This position provides support primarily to the irrigation program, both for research and extension, inside and outside the agricultural research plots at the Southwest Research-Extension Center.

About Us

The Southwest Research-Extension Center, established in 1907, epitomizes Kansas State University Research and Extension's enduring commitment to agricultural research in southwest Kansas. The center boasts state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology in dryland and irrigated crop production while expanding to support Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development. Through steadfast dedication to its mission, the center addresses K-State Research and Extension's grand challenges, serving as a cornerstone of progress and prosperity in the region. Many of the research-based recommendations for the western region of the state were conducted and evaluated in this facility.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires an associate degree and two years of relevant experience. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the applied engineering knowledge, technical design expertise and analytical skills necessary to construct, modify and maintain experimental equipment and support complex research processes within a laboratory environment. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential experience inherent in a formal degree program.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor or Associate degree in agronomy, soils, agricultural technology/engineering, crops, or related field.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform successfully in a team environment.
• Three years of irrigation experience or course work is preferred.
• Farm background or agriculture experience is preferred.
• Welding and shop experience is desirable.
• Knowledge of safety requirements for work with or around machinery.

Additional Role Information:

• Ability to obtain a Radiation Safety badge/certification to use the neutron moisture probe (within the first month of employment).
• An applicators' license to permit applying restricted-use pesticides to crops will be necessary upon employment.
• Ability to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FM to operate small unmanned aircraft vehicles.
• Driving pick-up trucks and ATV vehicles is also expected.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Application Window

Applications close on :September 18, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$19.00-$26.00 per hour