University of Minnesota’s West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) is seeking an experienced Agricultural Data Researcher for Morris, Minnesota. This 100% full-time position supports precision agriculture research initiatives focused on reducing agricultural inputs while improving environmental and economic outcomes for farmers. You’ll conduct field research, manage geospatial data, implement precision technology, and contribute to advancing sustainable farming practices across Minnesota’s agricultural communities.
About University of Minnesota WCROC — Agricultural Research Excellence
Research Facility: 1,100-acre research farm in Morris, Minnesota dedicated to applied agricultural research
Academic Excellence: Part of College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences
Research Focus: Crop production, animal sciences, horticulture, water quality, organic and conventional dairy
Mission Commitment: Providing tradition of excellence in applied agricultural research and education
Community Impact: Supporting farmers and rural communities through innovative research and education
Precision Agriculture Research Initiative — Sustainability Focus
Research Program: Multi-site precision agriculture research reducing agricultural inputs and environmental impact
Sentinel Farm Network: Statewide network generating foundational data for precision agriculture best management practices
Data Mission: Developing research-based solutions improving both environmental and economic outcomes for farmers
Technology Focus: Commercial-scale cropping systems with large-scale field data collection and geospatial innovation
Agricultural Data Researcher Position Overview
The Agricultural Data Researcher position at University of Minnesota WCROC offers an exceptional opportunity to advance precision agriculture through field research and data management. This two-year appointment supports a statewide sentinel farm network developing sustainable farming practices. You’ll conduct soil and plant sampling, manage geospatial data, operate precision agriculture technology including UAVs, and contribute to research supporting environmental sustainability and farmer profitability across Minnesota.
As an Agricultural Data Technician, you’ll work within commercial-scale cropping systems combining outdoor field work with computer-based data analysis. This role bridges field operations and research science, requiring expertise in precision agriculture technology, GIS data management, and agricultural field research. Your work directly contributes to advancing sustainable farming practices and providing farmers with science-based recommendations.
Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Data Researcher at University of Minnesota, you advance precision agriculture research supporting farmer sustainability, work with cutting-edge GIS and remote sensing technology, contribute to environmental improvement through data-driven farming practices, conduct research on 1,100-acre state research facility, support statewide agricultural sentinel farm network, collaborate with university researchers and farming communities, and build career in agricultural innovation and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities & Research Activities
Field Research & Data Collection
- Conduct soil, plant, and crop sampling in commercial-scale research fields
- Collect and verify agricultural equipment monitoring data from precision systems
- Record accurate field observations and maintain detailed sampling documentation
- Travel between multiple Minnesota research sites as needed
- Support ground-truthing activities for remote sensing and modeling research efforts
Precision Agriculture Technology Support
- Assist with UAV (drone) operations and high-resolution imagery collection
- Download, organize, and manage multispectral, RGB, and satellite imagery datasets
- Manage GIS shapefiles and tractor-generated spatial datasets from equipment
- Support data integration across multiple agricultural software platforms and systems
- Conduct quality control of spatial and agronomic datasets for research accuracy
Data Management & Reporting
- Organize and clean agricultural datasets using Excel and related data software
- Assist in summarizing research findings for reports and outreach materials
- Generate tables, graphs, and statistical summaries from research data
- Support secure archival storage and comprehensive documentation of research datasets
- Maintain data quality standards and documentation for research reproducibility
Equipment & Operational Support
- Assist in calibration, operations, and maintenance of agricultural field equipment
- Support setup and monitoring of GPS systems, controllers, and precision application equipment
- Troubleshoot minor mechanical and technical issues in field equipment
- Follow safety and compliance requirements, including UAV regulations and protocols
- Maintain equipment logs and service documentation
Outreach & Communication Activities
- Assist in preparation of educational handouts and written outreach content
- Represent precision agriculture research at agricultural trade shows and events
- Organize and manage photos and videos for outreach and educational materials
- Support communication of research findings to farming communities
- Contribute to extension education programs and farmer workshops
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or related agricultural field
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences or Agricultural Systems Management
- Bachelor’s degree in related science field with equivalent experience
- Minimum 2 years relevant experience in agriculture or agricultural research
- Combination of education and work experience equal to 6+ years in agriculture field
Technical Skills
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data analysis and organization
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word for documentation and reporting
- Basic computer literacy and ability to learn new software systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for documentation and teamwork
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between multiple research sites
- Ability to work outdoors in variable weather conditions year-round
- Ability to perform physically demanding field research tasks
- Comfortable working in farm environments with dust, noise, and uneven terrain
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and comfort with agricultural equipment
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Midwest crop production systems and farming practices
- Familiarity with precision agriculture technologies (yield monitors, GPS systems)
- Experience with GIS platforms (QGIS, ArcGIS) or agricultural data software
- Experience operating or assisting with UAV drone-based data collection
- Advanced Excel skills including formulas and data analysis functions
- Basic programming experience (Python, R, or similar programming languages)
- Previous experience on research farm or commercial agricultural operation
- Competitive Compensation & Comprehensive Benefits
Compensation Package
- Pay range: $26.50 – $28.50 per hour based on qualifications and experience
- 100% full-time employment position with steady work schedule
- Civil-Service labor represented staff position with job security protections
- Two-year appointment with potential extension based on continued research funding
Time Off & Leave Benefits
- Paid holidays throughout the calendar year
- Generous paid time off and vacation days
- Flexible work schedule accommodating seasonal research demands
Health & Insurance Benefits
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy insurance plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions
- Disability insurance and employer-paid life insurance coverage
Professional Development & Retirement
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training programs
- Degree-seeking program support through Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity eligibility
- Employee wellbeing program and assistance services
About University of Minnesota WCROC — Agricultural Research Leadership
The West Central Research and Outreach Center Morris, MN USA at University of Minnesota represents a 1,100-acre research farm dedicated to advancing agricultural science and farmer success. As part of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences, WCROC provides applied agricultural research and education supporting Minnesota’s farming communities. The facility conducts research across crop production, animal sciences, horticulture, water quality, organic and conventional dairy operations, swine production, and renewable energy.
Career Excellence at University of Minnesota WCROC: Build agricultural research career with university leader, work on 1,100-acre state research facility, advance precision agriculture and sustainability research, collaborate with agricultural scientists and farmers, develop expertise in GIS and precision technology, contribute to statewide agricultural improvement, and support Minnesota’s farming communities through innovative research.
Who Should Apply?
- Agricultural Science Graduates: With Bachelor’s in Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or Environmental Sciences
- Precision Agriculture Professionals: With 2+ years agriculture or farm research experience
- GIS Data Specialists: Experienced with geospatial data management in agriculture
- Agricultural Technology Experts: Familiar with precision agriculture systems and GPS technology
- Research Technicians: With field research and data collection background
- Midwest Farmers/Farm Operations: Seeking research career opportunities in agriculture
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