Irrigation Engineering and Management Technician
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Panhandle Research, Extension & Education Center, located in Scottsbluff—about three hours from the Denver metro area and close to Rocky Mountain National Park, Scotts Bluff National Monument, and other High Plains treasures—serves as the university’s western hub for applied agricultural research, education, and outreach. The Center’s irrigation engineering program combines advanced sensing technologies, data analytics, and decision-support tools with field-scale and on-farm trials to improve crop water productivity in the semi-arid High Plains.
As the Irrigation Engineering and Management Technician, you will:
- Provide skilled technical support to the Panhandle Research and Extension Water and Irrigation Management Specialist.
- Be responsible for implementing various farming practices such as field preparation, planting, fertilizing, spraying, irrigating, and harvesting crops.
- Assist the specialist and graduate/undergraduate students with field activities including plot layout according to experimental designs, sensor installation, data collection using scientific equipment, and gathering plant, soil, and other samples.
- Be maintaining research plots, fabricating/modifying structures or components necessary for research objectives, and maintaining farm equipment such as tractors, planters, sprayers, and irrigation systems.
Irregular hours and work in inclement weather is required. Position requires obtaining an EPA Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License within 90 days of employment. Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as an Ag Research Technician III.
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace—it’s the place to build your career and make a real impact.
When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:
- Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options
- Employee & dependent scholarship program to pursue higher education
- Generous retirement plans with a university match
Minimum Required Qualifications
- High school diploma plus five years experience in agriculture, farming, or related field; OR
- Associate degree in agriculture-related field plus three years of relevant experience; OR
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture-related field plus one year of relevant experience. Equivalent education/experience will be considered.
- Background in agriculture, agronomy, entomology, or related field with farm experience including farm machinery operation required.
- Computer skills and basic computer literacy are essential.
- Prioritization, organizational, record keeping, and facilitation skills are necessary.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria.
Posted Salary $22.00/hr minimum
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and collaborative workforce. UNL is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success where every person and every interaction matters. The University is proud to be one of Nebraska’s preferred and largest employers where individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential.
As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See: https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/