Research Technologist

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University is seeking a Research Technologist to support the irrigation program and related research activities at the Southwest Research-Extension Center. This on-site role will involve construction, modification, and maintenance of experimental equipment to support research processes within a laboratory environment.

Preferred candidates hold a Bachelor or Associate degree in agronomy or related fields, with experience in irrigation and a willingness to work in a team.

Qualifications

• Requires an associate degree and two years of relevant experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

Skills

Irrigation experience

Teamwork

English communication

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

Research Technologist

Kansas State University

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.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$19.00-$26.00 per hour

Application Window

Applications close on :September 18, 2026