Agricultural Tech II Research

The Research Technician will support crop production research and teaching activities in the Crop Production group within the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University. The primary purpose of this position is to establish, maintain, and ha...

  • 521717
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Agronomy
  • Staff Full Time (USS)
  • Closing at: Jul 5 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The Research Technician will support crop production research and teaching activities in the Crop Production group within the Department of Agronomy at Kansas State University. The primary purpose of this position is to establish, maintain, and harvest a wide range of field crops for research, teaching, and demonstration purposes.

This position requires strong practical knowledge of Kansas crop production systems and demonstrated ability to operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and transport agricultural equipment, including tractors, planters, sprayers, harvest equipment, and trailers. The technician will also assist with field and greenhouse data collection, support graduate and undergraduate research projects, and help maintain laboratory, equipment, and storage areas.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to foundational and applied research, work with versatile crops and production systems, support student learning, and be part of a collaborative program with seasonal variety and some scheduling flexibility.

About Us

The Department of Agronomy, together with the Research and Extension Centers, provides statewide leadership for teaching, research, and extension activities in plant breeding, crop production, range science, soil science, and weed sciences and contributes substantially to activities in genetics, water science, and environmental sciences.

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 one year of relevant experience.
  • Valid driver’s license upon employment
  • Current Kansas pesticide applicator certification or ability to obtain within one year
  • Demonstrated ability to operate agricultural equipment, such as tractors, planters, sprayers, and harvest equipment
  • Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
  • Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in agronomy, agricultural technology, or a closely related field
  • Experience with Kansas crop production systems
  • Experience with agricultural research, especially field research
  • Interest in novel and versatile cropping systems
  • Experience with crop production and agricultural field operations, such as field preparation, planting, fertilization, pest management, and harvest
  • Experience with or interest in contributing to research presentations, publications, or other forms of science communication
  • Ability to transport equipment between field sites
  • Strong record-keeping and communication skills
  • Enthusiasm for collaboration within a multidisciplinary team

Sponsorship eligibility:

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

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Current curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, and career goals.
  • Contact information for three professional references.

Application Window

Applications close on: July 5th, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$18.27 - $26.45 per hour

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.