Research Technologist

The purpose of this position is to support the activities of the irrigation program conducted at the SWREC research plots. Activities include installation of soil moisture sensors; operating and maintaining farm machinery and irrigation systems with variable rate irrigation features; monitoring and maintenance of other sensors and equipment in the field; programming, installation and troubleshooting data logger; downloading data from data loggers and web servers; soil and water sampling/measurement; and hand harvesting of crops at the end of cropping season.

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.

This position is on-site.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires an associate degree and two years of relevant experience. This position may use an educational equivalency as determined relevant by a hiring manager.

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.
• Ability to download and encode accurate data and perform basic spreadsheet analysis of data.
• Willing to operate and manage farm machinery and irrigation systems with variable rate irrigation features.
• Ability to learn to operate, install, program, and troubleshoot electronic equipment, such as data logger, telemetry, solar panels, and analog/SDI sensors.
• Knowledge of safety requirements for work with or around machinery.
• Some experience working in the farm and machine shop is desirable.
• Education in computer technology and electronics may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver's license upon employment to permit incumbent to operate automobiles and pickup trucks having standard or automatic transmissions.
• Ability to obtain a Radiation Safety badge/certification to use the neutron moisture probe (within the first month of employment).
• The position involves regular (daily seasonal) use or contact with neutron probe and hand tools, drilling machine and gas-powered auger, computers, and other small electronic equipment. 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

Please submit the following documents:

1. Resume

2. Three professional references

Immediately and continues until position is filled.

$19.00-$26.00