Agricultural Field Technician

Department Overview

Matt Ruark’s Nutrient Cycling and Agroecosystems Lab at the University of Wisconsin‑Madison conducts applied, field-based research across Wisconsin agricultural systems. The work focuses primarily on nitrogen fertilizer management, soil health, soil carbon, and water quality in grain, dairy, vegetable, and biofuel production systems. Research is conducted primarily in the field with cooperating farmers or across the UW’s agriculture research stations.

Anticipated

Start Date:

May 11, 2026 (With flexible start.)

Anticipated End Date (If Applicable):
End of August to early September, possible continuation into fall semester depending on program need and funding. (Flexible end date).

Remote Work Eligibility:
Not Remote

Anticipated Hours Per Week:
Minimum: 20, Maximum: 40

Schedule:

Start times vary, with a general start time around 7:30 or 8:00am. Expect 8 hour days Monday through Friday with some variety. Some days focus on field work, other days preparing samples in the lab, there is some down time in between field work at moments occasionally. We do take breaks if needed :)

Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum:
Minimum: $15.00

Number of Positions: 2-3

• Must be enrolled in a post‑high‑school degree program for the fall of 2026
• Must be able to pass UW driving requirements and must be comfortable and willing to drive a large pick‑up truck (previous experience not required.)
• Able to work outdoors in weather extremes (please consider any allergies to grass or ragweed pollen!)
• Must be able to work in a dusty environment
• Must be able to arrive on campus early in the morning and have some flexibility in your schedule for potentially longer days.
• Able to lift around 30‑40 lbs repeatedly

The desired applicant will be punctual for early mornings, self‑motivated, and willing to work both independently and with others. Most of all – you’re pleasant!

Background in environmental science/agriculture/soil is not required.

• Assist faculty and academic staff with environmental sample collection, processing analysis, and archiving.
• Field work including establishment of plots and treatments, collection of plant and soil samples (50%)
• Preparation of plant and soil samples for analysis (30%)
• Soil and plant analysis following established procedures (10%)
• Organize and archive research samples and data (10%)

• Able to work outdoors in weather extremes (please consider any allergies to grass or ragweed pollen)
• Must be able to work in a dusty environment
• Must be able to arrive on campus early in the morning and have some flexibility in your work schedule for long days.
• Able to lift around 30‑40 lbs repeatedly.

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The University of Wisconsin‑Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background—people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu

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