Research Technician (Soil and Water Conservation)

Development Program (ARDP) Department Contact Email srahman@centralstate.edu Job Summary/Basic Function POSITION SUMMARY The Agriculture and Natural Resources Information and Management ( ANRIM ) lab in the College of Engineering, Science, Technology and Agriculture ( CESTA ) at Central State University is seeking a Research Technician to support field and laboratory operations for research projects related to soil and water conservation in agricultural and natural systems. The selected candidate will be responsible for day-to-day field and laboratory work, including sample collection, sample processing, and equipment upkeep, and will be expected to multitask across several ongoing projects at once. The candidate will provide hands-on assistance to Research Associates, Postdoctoral Research Associates, and other lab personnel, helping to keep field and laboratory work on schedule. The successful candidate should be organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable prioritizing multiple tasks and requests in a fast-paced research environment. The candidate must be willing to learn field and laboratory protocols, instrumentation, and data collection methods relevant to the research program. The position involves travel to selected field/study sites for data collection and sample retrieval. Duties and Responsibilities Field-Based Responsibilities • Travel to field sites to collect soil, water, and plant samples using standard and project-specific protocols • Set up, calibrate, and maintain field instrumentation and monitoring equipment (e.g., soil moisture sensors, water samplers, flow meters) • Record field data accurately, including GPS coordinates, site conditions, and sample metadata • Assist with the establishment and upkeep of field plots and research sites • Transport, label, and log samples for return to the lab, maintaining chain-of-custody • Follow safety protocols for fieldwork under varying weather and site conditions Lab-Based Responsibilities • Process, prepare, and analyze soil, water, and plant samples following established laboratory protocols • Multitask across multiple concurrent projects, balancing competing sample-processing and analysis deadlines • Perform routine calibration, cleaning, and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation • Track and maintain lab supplies, reagents, and consumables, and place restocking requests as needed • Enter, organize, and quality-check data generated from field and laboratory work • Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, sample inventories, and chain-of-custody records • Help enforce lab safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized, and compliant workspace Additional Responsibilities • Provide hands-on field and lab assistance to Research Associates, Postdoctoral Research Associates, and other research staff as project needs arise • Coordinate scheduling of shared field and lab tasks across multiple researchers and projects • Assist with basic data entry, organization, and summary tasks to support reports and manuscripts • Support onboarding of new lab members on standard field and lab procedures • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor Minimum Qualifications • Bachelors degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, or another related field (e.g., Soil Science, Natural Resources, Agricultural Engineering, Biology, Chemistry or a closely related discipline). Candidates with an associate degree in related fields will be considered if they have at least 2 years of experience following their associates degree in field or lab-based responsibilities identified in the job description. • Willingness and ability to perform physically demanding fieldwork in varying outdoor conditions • Demonstrated ability to multitask and manage competing priorities across multiple projects • Basic computer skills, including familiarity with spreadsheet and data management software • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a research team • Strong attention to detail and record-keeping skills Preferred Qualifications • Coursework or hands-on experience related to soil science, water quality, or agricultural/environmental systems • Prior field or laboratory experience, particularly in a multi-project research setting • Experience working with one or more of the following instruments: ICP - OES, ICP -MS, CN Analyzer, IRMS, Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry, HPLC, GC-MS, GC-MS/MS • Familiarity with GIS, statistical software, or data management tools • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Experience supporting or coordinating with multiple researchers on shared lab resources Posting Date 11/10/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants This is a term appointment. The initial appointment is for two (2) years. Renewal for each subsequent year is contingent upon satisfactory performance, and any renewal beyond the initial two-year term is contingent upon continued satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Background Check All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review. Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources. Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment. Work Authorization Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and throughout their employment. The University is not able to sponsor employment visas for this position now or in the future. Position Category Staff - Monthly (Exempt) Budgeted Annual Salary Commensurate with experience Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Required Documents Required Documents Resume Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae Unofficial Transcripts Optional Documents