Utah State University invites applications for two available full-time, fiscal year (twelve month) positions as either a Research Technician III or Agricultural Assistant III.  Please see the Qualifications section below. 

The positions are located primarily at the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station (UAES) Kaysville Farm OR the Greenville/Blue Creek Farms. The successful candidates will work under the direction of the Farm Foreman to maintain fruit and vegetable research plots, including carrying out crop production practices, data collection, produce harvest, and transportation.

Additionally, the positions will assist in everyday duties and responsibilities of the farm related to non-research crop production. They must be able to work flexible hours to accommodate the busy growing and harvest season. They will need to be able to work independently, and with minimum supervision and need to be a driven, self-starter that can lead others in performing the tasks they are working on.

• Assist in farm responsibilities which could include, but are not restricted to soil preparation, planting, watering, spraying, thinning, and harvesting of commodities in a research setting.
• Plant new orchards or turf plots and install all irrigation and plot protection systems, including trellising and fencing.
• Operate a variety of equipment with precision and care to maintain the integrity of research projects. This includes agricultural tractors, skid steers, specialty harvesters, sprayers, and various farm implements, as well as pickup trucks with different types of trailers, such as gooseneck and bumper-pulled models.
• Work closely with the farm manager to maintain equipment and facilities.
• Communicate and provide adequate records (of feed products or when helping with research and all legal regulations for safety) effectively to proper personnel.
• Stay current on a chemical Private Applicators license.
• Understand research protocols and follow them throughout the course of the research.
• Assist with training and day-to-day supervision of seasonal labor and student employees.
• Data collection and archiving using computer spreadsheets. Summarize data and assist with the preparation of research report.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Agricultural Assistant III:
  • 2 years experience in crop production, including operating and maintaining heavy machinery.
  • Preference for experience in fruit or vegetable production systems, and with agricultural research farms.
  • Experience working with ag chemicals.
  • Must obtain a Private Applicator pesticide license within the first 60 days of employment to perform essential job duties.
  • Valid Utah Driver’s License to perform essential job duties.
• Research Technician III:
  
  • 4 years experience or a combination of education and experience (e.g. Bachelors degree in an agriculturally related discipline OR an equivalent combination of education and crop production/research experience.)
  • Preference for one-year experience working in a research setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbal and written, with university staff and faculty members and with produce buyers.
• Requires the ability to read written instructions, regulations, and other documentation and follow their directions exactly.
• Requires ability to operate and maintain agriculture equipment and trucks safely.
• Requires ability to climb ladders while working with both hands. Increasing efficiency in the management of orchards and setting an example for other workers to follow.
• Attention to detail is mandatory as data needs to be collected with accuracy for publication correctness.
• Requires ability to work with limited or no supervision and make appropriate decisions when doing so.
• Must understand and follow safety protocols and procedures and be willing to intervene with seasonal employees/students if dangerous or damaging actions are observed and teach correct procedures.

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"
2. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 01/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023