Research Technician I, II or III

Utah Crop Improvement Association and Utah State University seek an individual to represent Utah Crop Improvement Association in Northern Utah and surrounding areas by assisting in and promoting the seed certification program working with seed farmers and conditioners in production of high-quality certified seed.

Vehicle will be provided by employer but rare occasional use of personal vehicle may be needed (mileage reimbursed).

A Flexible work schedule is needed with concentration of workload during planting seed harvest and seed processing seasons. Workload will be 30 hours/week (75% time) with the opportunity to work more hours as needed. Major workload will be during the months of June July and August for field inspections and other workload during other months.

Work hours and responsibilities can be highly variable to match the applicants schedule as a student or other employment or interests.

Location - Northern UT Box Elder and Cache Counties and surrounding area.

• Assist with work in Certified Seed Program for Utah.
• Seed Certification 75% of time
• Seed field and farm equipment inspection
• Inspect and accurately determine plant variety characteristics for genetic purity and crop quality factors in certified seed production fields to meet certification standards.
• Applicant will need to identify each of the major crop kinds rangeland plants and weeds
• Inspect wildland seed collection sites and identify rangeland plants and yield potential.
• Assist seed producers and seed conditioners in producing certified seed lots to meet certification standards.
• Some travel throughout the Western United States will be needed.
• Assist with maintaining the website
• Some general office work related to seed certification and production reporting will be required.
• Foundation Seed 25 % of time
• Assist in foundation seed production allocation and distribution
• Maintain manage and produce foundation seed from multiple sources including production on UAES farms
• Track monitor ship and invoice foundation seed distributions and inventory.

Minimum Qualifications:

This position will be hired at either the Research Technician I II or III level based on qualifications and duties assigned.

Research Technician I

• Six months work related experence and/or related educational programs in agriculture.

Research Technician II

• Two years of experience or an associate degree/vocational training.

Research Technician III

• Four years of experience; or an associate degree plus two years of experience; or a bachelors degree; or an equivalent combination of education plus experience.

For all levels:

• Experience in production agriculture preferably small grains alfalfa seed grass seed and other forb and shrub seed production.
• Experience in farm machinery operation and repair weed control fertility and crop irrigation for seed production.
• Applicant will need to learn to identify and recognize differences in crop varieties weeds genetic off-types and diseases that potentially contaminate seed crops.
• Good personal and communication skills to work with understand and resolve concerns with farmers and other agriculturalists and seedsmen.
• Applicant will also be expected to learn to correctly identify reclamation plants and seeds on wildland sites.
• Applicant must also be self-motivated and willing to work alone.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong farming background with mechanical repair and other general maintenance skills.
• College credits or a degree in an agricultural crop production with some experience or knowledge of Agronomy and/or rangeland science related fields.
• Some computer experience and personal communication skills are preferred and will be beneficial.

Along with the online application please attach:

1. Resume to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under Resume/CV

2. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

• Must be comfortable contacting growers and seed companies by phone and/or in person to resolve issues efficiently.
• Must be willing to work both in the field and in the office depending on seasonal needs.
• Must perform physical labor including walking uneven terrain climbing and working in extreme weather dust and pollen.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs or more.

Founded in 1888 Utah State University is Utahs premier land-grant public service university. As an R1 research institution Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local regional and global communities. USU prepares students to be active civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education USU remains a leader in research discovery and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29800 students both online and in person atlocations throughout the state.Utah States 30 locations include a main campus in Logan Utah residential campuses in Price and Blanding and six additional statewide campuses along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season.The Aggies long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in womens volleyball three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in womens soccer conference championships and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics reflecting USUs commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected valued and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit hire and retain people from all walks of life who willchampion excellence in education research discovery outreach and believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be recognized our commitment to employees when they namedUtah State the best employer in Utahin 2023.Learn moreabout USU.

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*updated 12/2025

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For further information regarding non-discrimination please visit or contact:

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*updated 10/2025