What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Farm Technician I position at Inside Higher Ed?
Job Title
Research Farm Technician I
Requisition Number
RE54627
Working Title
Field Technician
Department Name
81110:Horticulture
Work Location:
Princeton, KY
Grade Level
40
Salary Range
$15.30-24.50/hour
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
HS
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
1 yr
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Work outside throughout the year in adverse weather conditions (heat, humidity, cold, rain, etc). Bending, lifting, moving objects up to 50 lbs. Climb up and down ladders while carrying loads. Walking on slippery and uneven surfaces. Standing for long periods of time.
Shift
Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. – 4:30 pm (37.5 hrs/wk); may require some evenings and/or weekends based on research needs and weather.
Job Summary
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Department of Horticulture seeks a Research Farm Technician I in Princeton, KY.
The position will be responsible for both instructed and self-directed horticultural work maintaining fruit and vegetable research crops. The work requires outside activity throughout the year in all weather and includes physical labor such as bending and lifting, climbing ladders, walking, and standing for extended periods of time. This position requires the ability to drive or operate a truck, utility vehicles, mowing, and other power equipment. Additional requirements include operating and maintaining sprayers, along with mixing and applying chemical pesticides. Technology competency includes basic computer skills, operating data sampling, and field labeling equipment.
The Individual Is Expected To
For additional information about the Horticulture department please click here. To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, Click Here.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
The ability to drive a truck, tractor, operate tractors and mowing equipment, maintain and use sprayers as well as hand and power tools. Computer skills such as research data entry, operating sampling and labeling equipment.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
No
Preferred Education/Experience
06/09/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Research Farm Technician I
Requisition Number
RE54627
Working Title
Field Technician
Department Name
81110:Horticulture
Work Location:
Princeton, KY
Grade Level
40
Salary Range
$15.30-24.50/hour
Type Of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
HS
Click here for more information about equivalencies::
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
1 yr
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Work outside throughout the year in adverse weather conditions (heat, humidity, cold, rain, etc). Bending, lifting, moving objects up to 50 lbs. Climb up and down ladders while carrying loads. Walking on slippery and uneven surfaces. Standing for long periods of time.
Shift
Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. – 4:30 pm (37.5 hrs/wk); may require some evenings and/or weekends based on research needs and weather.
Job Summary
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Department of Horticulture seeks a Research Farm Technician I in Princeton, KY.
The position will be responsible for both instructed and self-directed horticultural work maintaining fruit and vegetable research crops. The work requires outside activity throughout the year in all weather and includes physical labor such as bending and lifting, climbing ladders, walking, and standing for extended periods of time. This position requires the ability to drive or operate a truck, utility vehicles, mowing, and other power equipment. Additional requirements include operating and maintaining sprayers, along with mixing and applying chemical pesticides. Technology competency includes basic computer skills, operating data sampling, and field labeling equipment.
The Individual Is Expected To
- work well with a team of horticulturists
- follow research protocols as directed
- fulfill crop production needs, e.g., planting, watering, fertilizing, weeding, pruning, training, canopy management, pest control, harvest, etc.
- assist in the collection of field data and sample processing
- maintain tools and equipment in working order
- clean and organize orchard buildings and field office/laboratory
- run software to create plant labels and perform data entry as directed
- perform duties to maintain professional standards.
For additional information about the Horticulture department please click here. To find out more about Martin-Gatton CAFE and how the college supports the mission of this being the University of, for, and with Kentucky, Click Here.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
The ability to drive a truck, tractor, operate tractors and mowing equipment, maintain and use sprayers as well as hand and power tools. Computer skills such as research data entry, operating sampling and labeling equipment.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? :
No
Preferred Education/Experience
- BS in Horticulture
- Pesticide Applicators License
- Driver’s license
06/09/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Salary : $15 - $25