Turf Field Research Technician III

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Retirement plans with university match

Employee scholarship programs

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln is seeking a Turf Field Research Technician III to support turfgrass research facilities in Lincoln and ENREEC. You will supervise facilities, staff, and field trials, and calibrate equipment for accurate data collection.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in turfgrass management or related field with at least one year of research experience, valid driver's license, and the ability to obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s License within 6 months.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in turfgrass management or related field; one year of research experience in turfgrass preferred.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s License within 6 months of employment.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist with managing turfgrass research facilities located in Lincoln and ENREEC.
• Provide day-to-day coordination and supervision of facilities, staff, student workers, and field research.
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain field equipment and research instruments.

Skills

Calibration of spray equipment

Turfgrass maintenance

Equipment operation

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in turfgrass management

One year of research experience

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

EEO Statement

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title

Turf Field Research Technician III

Department

Agronomy & Horticulture-0827

Requisition Number

S_260807

Posting Open Date

10/06/2026

Application Review Date

10/26/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

As a Turf Field Research Technician III, you will:

• Assist with managing turfgrass research facilities located both in Lincoln and near Ithaca, NE at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension & Education Center ( ENREEC ).
• Provide day-to-day coordination and supervision of facilities, staff, student workers, and field research.
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain field equipment, research instruments and other scientific equipment.

Must have or be able to obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s License within 6 months of employment.

Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician III .

About Us

At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and certified as a Family Friendly Workplace. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match
• Bachelor’s degree in turfgrass management, horticulture, agronomy, or related field plus one year of research experience in a turfgrass research program or related field required; equivalent education/experience considered.
• General equipment knowledge as well as experience utilizing special turfgrass equipment required.
• A background in turfgrass related activities in regards to seedbed preparation and general turfgrass maintenance essential.
• Math skills that are needed in relationship to the calibration of spray equipment necessary.
• Must have valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s License within 6 months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred, but not required;

• Knowledge of turfgrass industry and management of turfgrass facilities.
• Experience with calibration of spray equipment.
• Troubleshooting abilities in regards to equipment maintenance.
• Ability to recognize potential problems before they occur.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Yes

Physical Required

No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required

Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Yes

Job Category (old)

Office/Service

Job Type

Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Yes

Planned Hire Date