Soil and Water Research Technologist II

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, United States

Updated: about 4 hours ago
Location: Lincoln, NEBRASKA
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: ;

Position Information
Position Information


Working Title Soil and Water Research Technologist II
Department Agronomy & Horticulture-0827
Requisition Number S_240437
Posting Open Date 05/20/2024
Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 06/21/2024
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Description of Work
As the Soil and Water Research Technologist II, you will:
  • Support, coordinate, and implement field and laboratory research activities on the impact of agricultural, industrial, and environmental activities on soil and underlying aquifers as part of the Vadose Zone Science for Water Quality Laboratory at UNL.
  • Oversee the implementation of field research studies, mostly located at UNL Experimental Farms and at farmer’s cooperator sites; and laboratory studies in the UNL Vadose Zone Science for Water Quality Laboratory.
  • Acquire, organize, and perform quality assurance review of research data. Perform statistical analysis and summarize research data. Troubleshoot data anomalies, correcting complicating factors as needed.
  • Obtain, process, and analyze soil, water, and plant samples for physical, chemical, and biological properties.
  • Oversee and use laboratory equipment such as for water retention characterization and chemical breakthrough curves (pressure plates/cells, WP4 dewpoint potentiometer, HYPROP, soil columns, Hele-Shaw cells, auto-collectors, microfluidics, etc.), soil moisture and solute monitoring (electromagnetic sensors, lysimeters, auto-collectors, dataloggers, etc.), and field equipment such as for monitoring soil, atmospheric, and plant conditions (soil moisture and matric potential stations, weather stations, crop canopy sensors, proximal and remote sensing technologies, etc.).
  • Calibrate, deploy, maintain, and repair a variety of instruments including dielectric and electromagnetic sensors.
  • Manage the day-to-day operations of the research lab, training students, and ensuring adherence to safety and research protocols.
  • Manage field sample collection activities of the research group, instructing students and staff on proper techniques to ensure sample integrity.
  • Train and supervise temporary employees on operation, and maintenance of research equipment, ensuring safe operations, and providing written summaries of research projects.
  • Form strong relationships with graduate students, post-docs, and other principal investigators across disciplines (e.g. water science laboratory, biological systems engineering, school of natural resources, public health, etc.).


Within the UNL system, this position is categorized as a Research Technologist II.
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we are committed to advancing knowledge, enriching lives, and contributing to the global community.
We invest in our employees through comprehensive benefits including:
  • Tuition remission for full-time employees and dependents
  • Retirement plans with university match
  • Vacation, sick, and holiday pay
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
  • A diverse and inclusive workplace

We are looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and make a difference!
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln seeks to attract and retain a high performing and diverse workforce in which employees’ differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the diverse populations we serve. The university fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment that promotes collaboration so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential. As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See: http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination .
Minimum Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in soil science, water science, agronomy, environmental science, biological systems engineering, civil engineering, natural resources, geology, or a related field; plus three years of experience with lab and field based research.


-OR-
  • Master’s degree in an above-noted field plus one year of experience with lab and field based research.
  • Experience performing data acquisition and organization from instrumentation.
  • Experience in project management, data entry, data analysis, statistical analysis, computers, and scientific instrumentation.
  • Experience in field and laboratory methods for characterizing soil physical, chemical, and biological properties.
  • Experience in working collaboratively in teams and working independently on projects.
  • Familiarity with dielectric and electromagnetic sensors including the installation, maintenance, and repair of field-based sensors.
  • Ability to manage personnel, budgetary concerns, and the technical aspects of soil/water/crop research projects.
  • Familiarity, knowledge, and understanding of USA farming practices.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to meet University driver eligibility criteria required.
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are preferred, but not required.
  • Experience in database management and data querying.
  • Experience in summarizing and preparing project reports.
  • Experience in supervising employees and/or students.
Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required Yes
Physical Required No
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No
Criminal History Background Check Required Yes
Posted Salary $49,290/yr minimum
How to Apply
Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file. You will be required to attach your resume, cover letter and list of professional references as three (3) separate documents in MS Word or PDF format.
For questions or accommodations related to this position contact
Svetlana Chistopolskaya
[email protected]
402-72-2859
Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional
Job Type Full-Time
Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)
Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE
Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes
If Temporary, indicate end date
Planned Hire Date:
Appointment End Date

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