University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Job Summary:

The Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) is as an integral hub of research and innovation. ENREEC is positioned at the forefront of cutting-edge agricultural research, education, and extension activities that address the challenges of modern farming. The site consists of approximately 9,600 acres with about half being row crops, both irrigated and non-irrigated, and half pasture. Over 6,000 livestock animals used for research and teaching reside onsite as well. ENREEC is located near Ceresco, Wahoo, Mead, and Ithaca, NE, and within 30 minutes of both the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas.

As the Precision Ag Research Technologist, you will:

• Design, coordinate, and implement field and laboratory research activities of soil fertility, precision agriculture, nutrient management, and water quality programs, mostly located at UNL Eastern NE Research, Extension & Education Center.
• Be responsible for the accurate implementation of research treatments, collection and summary of data and preliminary statistical analyses.
• Oversee geospatial field layout and designs, geolocate treatment strips within the field trials, and assist with the collection of crop, soil, and water samples for chemical and physical properties.
• Operate and maintain various field trial management equipment including GPSsystems, GISsoftware, UAVs for imagery data collection, GHG (greenhouse gas) field measurement equipment, N (nitrogen) application equipment, and UTVs for field data collection.
• Be expected to form strong relationships with graduate students, post-docs, and other principal investigators across disciplines (e.g. agronomy, water science laboratory, etc.).
• Provide written summaries of research projects.
• Train and supervise temporary employees and student workers.

Position requires a valid driver's license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as a Research Technologist I.

About Us:

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we're proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work 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 real impact in Nebraska. When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you'll enjoy:

• Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Employee & dependent scholarship program to pursue higher education
• Generous retirement plans with a university match

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in ag engineering, agricultural systems technology, mechanized systems management, agronomy, or a related field; plus
• Two (2) years of experience managing field experiments from land preparation and planting to harvest. Additional years of completed relevant educatation may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with experimental design and statistical data analysis.
• Knowledge of precision agriculture related to crop production and management.
• Ability to manage field experiments from land preparation, planting to harvest.
• Computer skills and proficiency in geospatial software and word processing and spreadsheets in Windows-based programs.
• Efficient time management and organization.
• Ability to work independently of an immediate supervisor and with coworkers as a team.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Master's degree in ag engineering, agricultural systems technology, mechanized systems management, agronomy, or related field.
• Experience with precision ag technologies (e.g., GPS systems, GIS software, or UAVs for imagery data collection.)
• Experience with ArcGIS, R, or SAS software.

Compliance Requirements:

If selected for this position and a verbal offer is accepted, the final written offer will be contingent upon the successful completion of the following required pre-employment check(s): 

• Criminal history background check
• Driving record review