Temporary Senior Plot Technician

The Senior Plot Technician will support the Sugar Beet Plant Pathology research program at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center by coordinating and carrying out specialized field operations required for small-plot research trials in sugarbeet and rotational crops. This position provides experienced technical support during critical periods of the field season, including planting, pesticide application, plot maintenance, and harvest, and is essential to the timely and accurate execution of research activities.
The individual in this role will operate tractors, planters, sprayers, harvest equipment, and related field machinery, while also applying substantial technical knowledge of field research operations, treatment logistics, seasonal timing, equipment setup, and documentation requirements. Responsibilities include establishing sugarbeet research trials, executing pesticide and other field treatment applications according to research protocols, coordinating field activities under changing seasonal and operational conditions, assisting with routine maintenance and calibration of equipment, and supporting harvest operations. This position also requires proactive communication and the ability to help guide less experienced staff involved in specialized sugarbeet research operations. Position may require occasional extended hours during peak planting, spraying, and harvest periods. Position is limited to 67 working days.

Major Areas of Accountability (with percentages):
1. Planting, field trial establishment, and treatment execution (45%)
Operate tractors, planters, sprayers, and related equipment to establish, maintain, and treat sugarbeet research plots according to research protocols, seasonal timing, and field conditions. Ensure field operations are carried out accurately and in a timely manner to support successful trial implementation.
2. Operational coordination, communication, and field logistics (25%)
Coordinate day-to-day field activities with program staff and NWROC field support personnel to ensure planting, pesticide applications, maintenance, and other research operations are completed according to schedule. Communicate proactively regarding field conditions, equipment needs, treatment timing, and operational contingencies that may affect trial execution.
3. Harvest operations and end-of-season field activities (15%)
Operate tractors and harvest-related equipment to support timely and accurate harvest of research plots. Assist with organizing and carrying out harvest activities in a manner that maintains plot identity, research quality, and completion of seasonal objectives.
4. Equipment setup, calibration, maintenance, documentation, and staff guidance (15%)
Perform setup, calibration, transport, cleaning, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance of tractors, planters, sprayers, and other field equipment used in research operations. Maintain accurate records related to field activities, pesticide applications, and operational tasks, and provide guidance to less experienced staff involved in specialized sugarbeet research operations.

Minimum Qualifications:
* High school graduation and five years of experience in agriculture, agricultural operations, field research support, or a related area.
* Demonstrated experience operating, calibrating, and maintaining agricultural field equipment, including tractors, implements, sprayers, and related machinery.
* Experience supporting agricultural or research field activities that require adherence to protocols, attention to detail, and independent judgment under variable field conditions.
* Demonstrated ability to independently coordinate and carry out field operations related to planting, pesticide application, maintenance, and harvest.
* Working knowledge of pesticide handling, application procedures, product timing, application logistics, and required operational documentation.
* Experience using precision agriculture tools, GPS-guided systems, or related equipment technology in field operations.
* Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and staff and help guide less experienced personnel involved in field operations.
* Non-commercial pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain one.
* Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Previous experience with sugarbeet production, sugarbeet pathology field research, or small-plot agricultural research trials.
* Experience providing training or technical guidance in field operations.
* B.S. degree.

The Sugar Beet Plant Pathology research program at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center coordinates and carries out specialized field operations required for small-plot research trials in sugarbeet and rotational crops.

Pay Range: $26.75; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).