STEPS Research Farm Tech II

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky seeks a STEPS Research Farm Technician II for the Research Farms division. This role supports teaching, research and extension activities across multiple facilities, performing a wide range of maintenance tasks to ensure functional farm operations.

Responsibilities include mowing, trimming, tree work, fence repairs, calibrating spray equipment, and supporting general farm upkeep. Candidates should be prepared for 37.5 hours/week with occasional overtime and weekend work as

Qualifications

• Experience operating farm machinery.
• Knowledge of grounds maintenance is preferred.

Responsibilities

• General farm and facilities maintenance such as mowing, trimming, planting trees, and fence repairs.
• Calibrate pesticide application equipment and mix/apply pesticides.
• Maintain aesthetics of facilities through upkeep and minor renovations.
• Perform other duties related to facilities and farm maintenance as assigned.

Skills

Farm machinery operation

Tools

Zero Turn mower

Weed eater

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing, pulling objects up to 50 lbs.; stand or walk with objects up to 10 lbs.; working from elevated platforms; sitting

Shift

Work Shift
Monday – Friday
Variable start/finish times, typically 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Occasional overtime required with potential holidays and weekends required as well.
Expected # of Hours/Week
37.5 hours

Job Summary

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture Food and Environment seeks a STEPS Research Farm Technician II for the Research Farms division. The Research Farms provide a vast array of teaching, research and extension opportunities for the faculty, staff and students of the college. Responsibilities include:

• General farm and facilities maintenance such as: mowing, hand trimming, landscape maintenance, planting trees, tree/ tree limb removal/ cleanup, including felling trees, road repairs, fence construction/ repair including painting, building repairs/ maintenance/ painting
• Calibrate pesticide application equipment, mix and apply pesticides
• Other duties as assigned to maintain and improve aesthetics of the facilities
• Any/ all other duties and task related to facilities and farm maintenance not specifically described above.

Zero Turn mower, Weed eater. Experience with lawn care preferred.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/30/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have experience operating farm machinery?
  • No
  • Yes, limited experience.
  • Yes, mid-level experience.
  • Yes, extensive experience.
• * List your farm equipment/farm maintenance experience?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please list the types of grounds equipment/ tools you have used to create a well maintained landscape.

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter