Research Plot Technician

This position is a 12-month appointment located in-person at North Central Research and Outreach Center. Bargaining unit consideration begins on Thursday, February 19, 2026 and ends on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Hours will vary weekly based on operational needs and workload. Shifts will vary significantly throughout the term to meet the specific demands of the calving season. Due to the nature of the calving season, employees may work multiple consecutive Sundays. Candidates must be prepared to work overtime during peak activity periods to ensure the safety and care of the livestock.

The Research Plot Technician will work within the Plant Sciences unit under the Director of Operations. They will assist the Research Coordinator with implementing field trials according to the specifications of Principle Investigators at the University of Minnesota or external researchers. This includes maintaining plot or rotational plot areas, collecting data, processing samples, and organizing seasonal work tasks.

Small plot research consists of duplicating the practices of crop production but at a much smaller scale and at the same time incorporating and evaluating a new practice or product. Conventional production methods are used but some research utilizes organic practices. A research plot technician is a person that is detail orientated, motivated, takes pride
in their work, and strives to see results. This person works hands-on with many different agricultural crops (i.e. agronomic, horticultural, forages, etc..), operates, and maintains specialized equipment and works with research support staff to plant, maintain, collect data, and harvest all varieties of crops.

Job Duties / Major Areas of Responsibility*
*These examples do not include all possible tasks in this position and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this class.

Maintain Greenhouse, Field Experiments, and Research Rotational areas - 55%

• Work with research coordinator in the Plant Sciences unit to prepare, setup, plant, maintain, and harvest research plants within the greenhouse, horticulture research plots, fruit breeding plots, high-tunnel structures, and research agronomy fields (i.e. small grains, potatoes, Long Term Agricultural Research Network)
• Prepare research plots and research rotational lands by laying out, measuring, collecting soil samples, marking, fertilizing, tillage, and planting.
• Map research plots and other specific areas with various GPS tools and documentation methods
• Scout and spray crops for weeds, insects, and disease
• Use a variety of large, medium and small-scale equipment to plant, maintain and harvest plots and research rotational lands. Cultivate, side-dress, hand- and mechanical-weeding of research plot
• Monitor research plots to determine irrigation needs; irrigate accordingly. Plan, set-up and maintain irrigation system
• Harvest (by implement or hand) and collect data from research plots
• Operate agricultural farm tractors and machinery
• Calibrate and operate various sprayers, planters, and fertilizing equipment
• Plant, fertilize and cultivate agronomic, horticultural and forage crops
• Harvest crops using diggers, self-propelled harvesters, combines and other PTO-driven implements

Maintain Plot, Farm Equipment and Facilities - 20%

• Clean, grease, lubricate and perform light/routine maintenance on equipment
• Make minor repairs on horticulture/agriculture equipment
• Record maintenance of equipment
• Keep buildings and work areas neat
• Mow grass, trim/pull weeds for neat appearance
• Keep work areas neat and orderly
• Assemble and organize storage areas for parts and supplies

Data/Recordkeeping, Supplies and Parts - 15%

• Collect data on cultural practices, growth, yield, planting, and harvest dates
• Collect and process soil and plant samples for on- or off-site analysis
• Keep accurate records of field activities and pesticide applications through various means including paper and electronic databases
• Inventory equipment, tools, supplies and parts
• Order supplies and parts from various vendors

Outreach activities 5%

• Assist with center-wide outreach activities that may include (not limited to): Visitor's Day, school groups, summer
  camps, tours and volunteers.

Other Duties - 5%

• Assign and train tasks with temp/casual employees
• Help maintain quality control to meet research objectives

Required Qualifications

• High school graduate/GED with two (2) years of education and/or experience in agriculture, horticulture, or related field.
• A valid Minnesota Driver's License.
• Must currently have or acquire a pesticide applicators license within 6 months.
• Ability to perform essential functions under normal working conditions that include working outside with exposure to weather conditions common to Grand Rapids and in the presence of potential allergens and irritants (with appropriate safety equipment).
• Ability to lift up to 50-70 pounds.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and keep accurate records.
• Ability to safely operate, service, and maintain field and lab equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4-year agricultural related degree.
• Understanding of low-voltage environmental control systems.
• Experience in field plot research and communications.
• Experience in greenhouse and field horticulture and/or agronomy
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, Google Suite and John Deere Automated Machine Systems and Management Tools.
• Detail-oriented in carrying out research projects.

The position is located at the North Central Research and Outreach Center (NCROC) in Grand Rapids, MN. NCROC is committed to conducting broad-based research and education programs relevant to the diverse cultural and environmental landscape of north central Minnesota.

Pay Range: $22.39 (Step 1) per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff (AFSCME Unit 7 - Technical)

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).