Research Technician, Northeast TN AgResearch & Education Center Greeneville, TN: UTIA

This position provides technical support to agricultural research and education programs at the Northeast Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Greeneville, TN. The Research Technician assists with the daily activities or research operations in the areas of field plot work, greenhouse, and livestock enterprises at NETREC. The position supports the research protocols of the Center by working daily with the Research Associate(s) in a supportive role.

• Supports Agricultural Research Projects at NETREC:
  • Executes research protocols under the general supervision of the Research Center Director.
  • Records, organizes, and reports experimental and production data to the Research Center Director and Principal Investigator.
  • Calculates and mixes specific chemical and fertilizer applications for field crops and greenhouses.
  • Performs Integrated Pest Management Programs (including pesticide applications).
  • Manages/maintains all Pest Management Systems for Center.
  • Maintains pesticide application equipment.
  • Works directly with Research Associate(s) and faculty members to facilitate research protocols for plant and animal sciences.
• .Analyzes results and report results to the Research Center Director and Principal Investigator
  • Records research and production data in a journal.
  • Enters records into computerized system.
  • Reports data to Research Center Director and Principal Investigator as described in each work plan.
• Coordinates and executes research protocols with Center's Research Associate(s).
  • Completes work activities that pertain to research in plant and animal sciences.
  • Ensures work safety compliance and perform training activities.
• Oversee safety programs and worker protection standards.
  • Trainer for all employees for compliance to worker protection standards,
  • Maintains Cat 10 and Cat 15 Pesticide Certification,
  • Maintains audit compliance from State of Tennessee,
• Assists with public outreach as needed.
  • Provides tours of the center to visitors and guests.
  • Provides presentations on research to visiting groups.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
  • High diploma/GED
• Experience:
  • Some experience in agriculture or related field.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of greenhouse operations and plant science agricultural research studies.
  • Knowledge of laboratory methods including plant and animal production.
  • General working knowledge of livestock production practices.
  • General knowledge of research methods, statistical compilation, and data analysis.
  • Ability to lead, communicate, and work well with others.
  • Ability to oversee and collect date from other support personnel (including students) from research protocols.
  • Ability to work under limited supervision.
  • Competent in general computer skills.
  • Ability to lift up to 100 pounds.
  • Ability to work in an outdoor environment in various conditions including extreme weather, dust, pollen.
  • Valid Driver’s license
  • Must have a pesticide application certification or obtain within 6 months
  • Obtain several certifications from UTK's Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) in Occupational Health, Essentials for IACUC Members, Working with the IACUC and other AALAS certifies as directed by REC Director. Must be able to obtain within 90 days after start date of employment.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Vocational/technical training or Associates Degree
• Experience:
  • 2 years’ experience in agriculture or related field
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Farm maintenance skills in the following areas: tractors, HVAC service, general electrical repairs.
  • Ability to operate and work on specialized farm equipment such as pH and EC meters.
  • Ability to scout and diagnose plant health and pest issues.
  • Ability to calculate and mix blended fertilizers.

Work Location:

• Location: Greeneville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits:

• UT market range: MR05
• Anticipated hiring range: $20 - $22/hour depending on qualifications and experience
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions:

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before August 1, 2025.

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division:

Established in 1932, the Northeast Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center is known for its research on burley tobacco production and beef cow-calf production.

Research is conducted on the 500 acres that make up the Center. Areas of research at the Center include all aspects of burley tobacco production with emphasis on breeding and production economics, variety testing, pest management, and breeding of field crops important to the agriculture of Upper East Tennessee and animal research in the areas of genetics, silage feeding, and grazing studies with endophyte-free fescue

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

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