Research Technician I

Job Title
Research Technician I

Agency
Texas A&M Agrilife Research

Department
Lubbock

Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate

Job Location
Lubbock, Texas

Job Type
Staff

Job Description

About Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas A&M AgriLife Research
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University
• Texas A&M Forest Service
• Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

As the nation's largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.

Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!

Position Information

The Research Technician I, under general supervision, provides technical support for field, laboratory, and greenhouse research activities focused on soil health, water conservation, cropping systems, irrigation management, and agricultural sustainability in the Texas High Plains. The technician assists with establishing, maintaining, and collecting data for research and demonstration projects while supporting laboratory analyses, equipment operation, and overall research program logistics.

Responsibilities:

Field Research Support

• Assist with the establishment, maintenance, and harvesting of agronomic field research trials.
• Collect soil, water, plant, and environmental samples according to established protocols.
• Support irrigation research activities, including the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of field instrumentation and sensors.
• Operate agricultural equipment, including ATVs, pickups, tractors, planters, sprayers, and other research equipment.
• Maintain accurate records of field activities, observations, and sample inventories.
• Assist with travel to off-station research sites throughout Texas and neighboring states as needed, which requires operating an agency vehicle.

Laboratory Operations and Sample Processing

• Prepare soil, water, and plant samples for laboratory analysis.
• Operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Assist with laboratory analyses related to soil fertility, soil health, water quality, and agronomic assessments.
• Maintain laboratory inventories, order supplies, and ensure proper organization of laboratory facilities.
• Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and university regulations.

Data Collection and Management

• Enter, organize, verify, and maintain research data using spreadsheets, databases, and other software platforms.
• Assist in the preparation of summaries, reports, and research documentation.
• Support quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure data integrity.

Equipment Maintenance and Logistics

• Maintain research vehicles, field equipment, irrigation systems, and laboratory equipment.
• Troubleshoot minor equipment issues and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Assist with research site preparation, material procurement, and inventory tracking.

Other Duties

• Assist faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and visiting scientists with research activities.
• Support extension demonstrations, field days, producer meetings, and educational outreach events.
• Participate in required training and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of related experience.
• Valid Texas driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• Ability to follow detailed scientific protocols.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for the operation and maintenance of research equipment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agricultural Systems Management, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a related discipline.
• Experience operating agricultural field equipment.
• Experience with soil and water sampling procedures.
• Familiarity with GPS, GIS, remote sensing, environmental monitoring equipment, or agricultural sensors.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, databases, and electronic data collection systems.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems and crop production in semi-arid environments.
• Experience working safely in agricultural research settings.

Other Requirements:

• Frequent outdoor work in agricultural field environments.
• Travel to research sites throughout Texas and surrounding regions.
• Occasional evening or weekend work during planting, sampling, and harvest seasons.
• Exposure to agricultural chemicals, dust, heat, and other environmental conditions, with appropriate personal protective equipment.

What You Need to Know

Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate's qualifications.

Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?

When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.

In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M AgriLife contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Employee Wellness Initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife

Applicant Instructions

Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.