TES Research Technician

Auburn; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University TES is seeking a Research Technician in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences to support basic research activities across field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings. You will assist faculty and staff with data collection and routine tasks to maintain research projects.

The position emphasizes hands-on work outdoors and in controlled environments, with responsibilities spanning data recording and equipment upkeep as part of a productive university research team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to perform physical outdoor work, including lifting up to 40–50 lbs and varying weather conditions.
• Basic knowledge of plants, soils, or general agricultural practices, or willingness to learn on the job.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for field, greenhouse, and laboratory procedures.
• Attention to detail for collecting data, labeling samples, and maintaining accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Assist with basic field activities such as planting, sampling, and maintaining research plots.
• Support greenhouse operations including watering, fertilizing, and monitoring plant conditions.
• Perform simple laboratory tasks such as preparing samples and maintaining clean work areas.
• Record observations and data accurately during field, greenhouse, and lab work.
• Help maintain research equipment, tools, and workspaces in good working order.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The TES Research Technician in Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences supports basic research activities in crop, soil, and environmental sciences. The role assists faculty and research staff by performing routine field, greenhouse, and laboratory tasks that help maintain research projects and ensure accurate data collection. Temporary Employment Services (TES), a unit of the Auburn University Department of Human Resources, is an in-house support center established to meet the temporary employment needs of the university. TES provides qualified and dedicated temporary employees in a wide variety of occupations to meet the staffing needs throughout the campus. Temporary employees are hired for a variety of reasons with the most common being:

• Assistance in the place of a regular employee who is absent for a specified period of time
• Additional assistance during periods of abnormal or peak workloads
• Assistance with special projects
• Seasonal work
• Emergencies

If you are looking for an employment opportunity, TES is a great way to showcase your professional skills and assist Auburn University while gaining valuable work experience within higher education.

Responsibilities

• Assist with basic field activities such as planting, sampling, and maintaining research plots.
• Support greenhouse operations including watering, fertilizing, and monitoring plant conditions.
• Perform simple laboratory tasks such as preparing samples and maintaining clean work areas.
• Record observations and data accurately during field, greenhouse, and lab work.
• Help maintain research equipment, tools, and workspaces in good working order.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to perform physical work outdoors and in greenhouse environments, including lifting up to 40-50 lbs and working in varying weather conditions.
• Basic knowledge of plants, soils, or general agricultural practices, or willingness to learn through on-the-job training.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions for field, greenhouse, and laboratory procedures.
• Attention to detail for collecting data, labeling samples, and maintaining accurate records.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of plants, soils, and routine research procedures.
• Skill in accurately recording data, following instructions, and using simple tools or equipment.
• Ability to perform physical work in outdoor and greenhouse conditions while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, stay organized, and learn new tasks as project needs change.

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.