Michigan State University, through the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and the Research and Extension Hub FarmTECH, is seeking a motivated Field Technician / Research Assistant I based in Benton Harbor, Michigan. This is an excellent opportunity for an agricultural professional passionate about emerging farm technologies. As Field Technician, you’ll help set up, operate, and evaluate new agricultural technologies; collect research data at MSU research sites and commercial farms; support technology demonstrations and grower events; and contribute to Extension, educational, and marketing materials. You’ll work closely with Dr. Michael Reinke, founding Co-Director of FarmTECH at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center, along with other Co-Directors and collaborators. Candidates should hold or be able to obtain restricted-use pesticide certification and an FAA Part 107 small drone certification, and must have a valid driver’s license.
About Michigan State University & FarmTECH — Agricultural Research Leadership
Institution: Michigan State University (MSU)
Department: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Program: FarmTECH Research and Extension Hub
Location: Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC), Benton Harbor
Mission: Advancing agricultural technology through research, evaluation, and grower outreach
Field Technician Role — Agricultural Research & Technology Evaluation
Department: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering / FarmTECH
Primary Focus: Field research, technology evaluation, data collection
Scope: MSU research sites and commercial farms across Michigan
Mission: Advancing precision agriculture and grower technology adoption
Field Technician Position Overview
The Field Technician / Research Assistant I position at Michigan State University represents a hands-on agricultural research role supporting the evaluation of emerging farm technologies that help growers work more efficiently and sustainably. Based at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor, you’ll be responsible for assisting with setting up, operating, and evaluating agricultural technologies at MSU research sites and commercial farms, collecting accurate field data that informs research conclusions, operating and maintaining drones, precision sprayers, sensors, tractors, and other agricultural equipment, troubleshooting equipment issues during field trials, supporting technology demonstrations and grower events that bring research directly to farmers, contributing to Extension, educational, and marketing materials that share findings with the agricultural community, applying standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements where research demands them, and working closely with Dr. Michael Reinke and FarmTECH Co-Directors to advance program research and outreach goals. Because work is driven by weather and project timelines, hours vary considerably, and the role involves lifting 30-60 pounds and working outdoors in changing conditions.
As Field Technician, you’ll build practical experience in precision agriculture, gain hands-on familiarity with drone operations and autonomous equipment, develop research data collection and analysis skills, learn Extension and grower engagement practices, strengthen troubleshooting abilities across complex farm machinery, and expand your professional network across university, grower, and industry partners. The position suits someone who enjoys field work, values scientific rigor, and wants to see research translate into real improvements on Michigan farms. With a four-year degree in Agriculture or a related science field (or equivalent combined education and experience), one to three years of progressively responsible work in research or laboratory settings, valid restricted-use pesticide certification or the ability to obtain it within six months, FAA Part 107 drone certification or ability to obtain it, and a valid driver’s license for operating university vehicles, this position offers a meaningful entry into agricultural research and extension careers at a leading land-grant institution.
Why This Role Matters: As Field Technician at MSU FarmTECH, you help bring emerging agricultural technology from the research plot to the working farm, collect data that shapes grower decisions, gain hands-on experience with drones, precision sprayers, and modern equipment, work alongside respected agricultural researchers, support grower education and demonstration events, contribute to Michigan’s agricultural innovation, and build a career foundation in agricultural research and extension.
Key Responsibilities & Field Research Duties
Technology Setup & Operation
- Set up emerging agricultural technologies for field trials
- Operate drones, autonomous sprayers, and precision equipment
- Run tractors and large agricultural machinery safely
- Calibrate sensors and monitoring equipment
- Maintain equipment used in research plots
- Troubleshoot technical issues during field operations
Field Data Collection & Research Support
- Collect field data at MSU research sites
- Gather data from commercial farm evaluations
- Record measurements accurately and consistently
- Follow standard laboratory procedures where required
- Assist with analytical and research techniques
- Maintain organized records for research teams
Technology Evaluation & Analysis
- Evaluate performance of emerging agricultural technologies
- Support precision agriculture technology assessments
- Compare equipment effectiveness across trials
- Assist with data preparation for analysis
- Document technology findings and observations
- Contribute to research reports and summaries
Grower Events & Demonstrations
- Support technology demonstrations for growers
- Assist with grower education events
- Help organize field days and outreach activities
- Explain technologies to farmers and industry partners
- Work with agricultural producers on field trials
- Build relationships with growers across Michigan
Extension & Educational Materials
- Contribute to Extension publications and resources
- Support development of educational materials
- Assist with marketing materials for FarmTECH programs
- Help communicate research findings to growers
- Support program outreach and communications
- Document events and demonstrations for program use
Collaboration & Program Support
- Work closely with Dr. Michael Reinke and FarmTECH Co-Directors
- Collaborate with MSU research and extension collaborators
- Support program research and technology evaluation goals
- Coordinate schedules around weather and project needs
- Participate in team planning and field logistics
- Contribute to continuous program improvement
Qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience
- Four-year college degree knowledge in Agriculture or related science field
- One to three years of related progressively responsible work experience
- Experience with standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements
- Experience with analytical and research techniques
- Equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Certifications & Licensing
- Valid restricted-use pesticide certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months
- FAA Part 107 small drone certification, or ability to obtain
- Valid driver’s license at time of hire
- Ability to operate Michigan State University vehicles
Desired Experience
- Operating and maintaining agricultural technologies and equipment
- Experience with drones, autonomous or precision sprayers, and tractors
- Experience with sensors and large agricultural machinery
- Field research and precision agriculture technology background
- Equipment troubleshooting and data collection experience
- Experience working with growers or agricultural industry partners
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to lift 30-60 pounds regularly
- Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather
- Flexibility for variable work hours tied to projects
- Ability to travel between research sites and farms
Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Contact information for three professional references
Career Development & Growth Opportunities
Professional Advancement
- Entry point into university agricultural research careers
- Possible position extension contingent on funding renewal
- Pathway toward Research Assistant II and technical specialist roles
- Exposure to Extension and grower-facing program work
Learning & Development
- Hands-on training with drones and precision agriculture technology
- Practical experience in field research methodology
- Pesticide and drone certification pathways supported
- Mentorship from experienced agricultural researchers
- Networking with growers, industry, and university partners
About Michigan State University — Land-Grant Agricultural Innovation
Michigan State University is a nationally recognized land-grant institution with a long tradition of agricultural research, education, and community outreach. The Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering and the FarmTECH Research and Extension Hub work together to test and demonstrate emerging technologies that help Michigan farmers improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. Based at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor, FarmTECH connects university researchers with growers through field trials, demonstrations, and educational programs that turn research into practical farm solutions.
Career Excellence in Agricultural Research: Join a respected land-grant university program, evaluate cutting-edge farm technology, gain hands-on experience with drones and precision equipment, support grower education and demonstrations, contribute to Extension and research communications, work alongside experienced agricultural scientists, and build a career in agricultural research and technology adoption across Michigan.
Who Should Apply?
- Agriculture Graduates: Seeking research and field roles
- Precision Agriculture Enthusiasts: Interested in drones and sensors
- Research Assistants: With laboratory and field experience
- Equipment Operators: Experienced with tractors and sprayers
- Extension Professionals: Passionate about grower outreach
- Drone Pilots: Holding or pursuing Part 107 certification
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