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Research Technician

Job Description

Posting Number

PG194594SP

Internal Recruitment

No

Working Title

Research Technician

Anticipated Hiring Range

Commensurate with experience (up to $41,851)

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Job Location

Raleigh, NC

Department

Crop and Soil Sciences

About the Department

The Crop & Soil Sciences Department provides research, teaching, and extension in support of the NCSU land grant mission.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being.

What we offer:


Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

Join the Department of Crop & Soil Sciences as a Research Technician and play a vital role in advancing research and outreach efforts in water quality, soil physics, and erosion control. In this hands-on position, you’ll provide essential technical, logistical, and field support for faculty-led and graduate student research, as well as contribute to Extension programs that deliver practical, science-based knowledge to stakeholders across North Carolina.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Prepare and maintain laboratory equipment and instrumentation such as TDR sensors, lysimeters, and spectrophotometers.
  • Calibrate sensors, process soil and water samples, and manage data acquisition systems for laboratory and field research.
  • Support field sampling campaigns and laboratory experiments, ensuring accurate data collection, documentation, and compliance with safety protocols.
  • Maintain laboratory inventory and ensure adherence to environmental and university lab standards.
  • Contribute to Extension training programs in water quality, sediment and erosion control, and stormwater BMPs by preparing demonstrations, maintaining displays, and assisting during workshops and field days.
  • Help develop outreach materials such as handouts, data summaries, and instructional guides under faculty supervision.
  • Perform maintenance and inspections at the sediment and erosion control research and education facility, ensuring proper operation of structures, irrigation systems, runoff plots, and monitoring equipment.
  • Operate small equipment (e.g., mowers, compact tractors) and uphold safety and environmental compliance standards.
  • Coordinate activities of hourly and graduate research assistants to ensure project efficiency and data quality.

If you are detail-oriented, enjoy hands-on field and lab work, and take pride in supporting applied research that makes a real-world impact, we encourage you to apply.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. These might include: 
  • Basic operation and maintenance of vehicles, field and laboratory equipment.
  • Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities. 
This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Minimum Experience/Education

Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Other Required Qualifications

  • N/A

Preferred Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience in environmental research, especially if you’ve worked with soils and water quality—you know how to get your hands dirty and make data come alive
  • Strong communicator who can break down complex science into clear, engaging messages for everyone—from fellow researchers to community members
  • Proven background in environmental research that shows you’re ready to dive into projects that make a real impact

Required License or Certification

  • A valid NC Driver’s License and the ability to obtain an NC Driver’s License within 60 days of hire.
  • A valid Driver’s License must be maintained throughout employment.

Valid NC Driver's License required

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Job Open Date

05/16/2025

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)

05/23/2025

Notice to Applicants

Please make sure that the work history you list on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, do not use the phrase “see resume”.

Special Instructions

Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references. 

Position Number

00111463

Position Type

SHRA

Position Classification Band Title

Research Technician

Position Classification Band Level

Contributing

Position Classification Salary Range

$ 34,320 - $ 72,734

Salary Grade Equivalency

GN04

Alternate Option

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.00

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather

Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events

Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Time Limited Position

Yes

Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)

12 months

Department Id

110901 - Crop and Soil Sciences

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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