Research Plot Technician - Grand Rapids, MN

About the Job

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

This position is 40 hours a week, Monday - Friday with typical shifts of 7:30 AM - 4 PM with flexibility as needed.

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.

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…