Research Farm Technician

Current Employees and Students

If you are currently employed or enrolled as a student at The Ohio State University, please log in to to use the internal application process.

Welcome to The Ohio State University's career site. We invite you to apply to positions of interest. In order to ensure your application is complete, you must complete the following :

Ensure you have all necessary documents available when starting the application process. You can review the additional job description section on postings for documents that may be required.

Prior to submitting your application, please review and update (if necessary) the information in your candidate profile as it will transfer to your application.

Job Title :

Research Farm Technician

Department :

FAES | Research Operations Administration

Position Description :

Reporting to the Manager for Agricultural Research Stations, the research farm technician assists with implementation of field experiments on vegetable crops at the CFAES Muck Crops Agricultural Research Station at Willard, Ohio. Lays out field plots, performs tillage, planting, irrigation and weed control. Operates, calibrates, adjusts, services and repairs farm machinery and specialized agricultural research equipment. Applies agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, and experimental treatments according to project protocols. Assists with greenhouse operations. Reports observations of crop conditions and pest damage. Assists with collection of harvest yield data and prepares vegetable samples. Assists with general operations, supply procurement, facilities, and grounds maintenance. Maintains detailed field operations and treatment application records. Assists with logistics for field days and outreach events. Performs similar duties at other CFAES research farms when requested. May work flexible schedules according to weather, soil and crop conditions. Trains student or temporary staff related to field operations. Position located at Willard, Ohio.

Education :

High school diploma. Associate’s degree in agriculture or related field preferred.

Required experience :

Basic computer skills : email, MS Excel, Word. Excellent communication and collaboration skills in a teamwork environment. Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physical tasks for extended periods. Driver’s license. One year experience with field crops or specialty crops production. Possess or ability to obtain pesticide / fertilizer applicator license within 6 months of employment.

Desired Experience :

Knowledge of field research methods. Experience with farm machinery maintenance and repairs. Two years' experience with field or specialty crops.

Responsibilities :

55% Lays out field plots, performs tillage, planting, irrigation and weed control. Operates, calibrates, adjusts, services and repairs farm machinery and specialized agricultural research equipment. Applies agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, and experimental treatments according to project protocols. Assists with greenhouse operations.

25% Reports observations of crop conditions and pest damage. Assists with collection of harvest yield data and prepares vegetable samples. Assists with general operations, supply procurement, facilities, and grounds maintenance. Maintains detailed field operations and treatment application records.

20% Assists with logistics for field days and outreach events. Performs similar duties at other CFAES research farms when requested. May work flexible schedules according to weather, soil and crop conditions. Trains student or temporary staff related to field operations.

Accepting applications until midnight on November 5th, 2025

Explore our extensive benefits

Work-life : Flexible and remote work arrangement opportunities where applicable, childcare program, and access to educational, athletic and cultural events. Retirement : State pension and alternative options with competitive employer contributions, as well as optional supplemental plans. Health : Medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and wellness programming. Time off : Paid vacation and sick time, parental and medical leave plus 11 paid holidays. Short and long-term disability options also available. Financial : Tuition assistance for employees and their dependents, adoption assistance and discounts with preferred vendors and university partners. Wellness : Lifestyle spending account, employee assistance program, health reimbursement account, and employee wellness program.