Agricultural and Food Science Technicians jobs in Kentucky

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title	Compost Technician
Requisition Number	RE53839
Working Title	Research Farm Nutrient Technician
Department Name	81270:Research Farms
Work Location	Lexington, KY
Grade Level	42
Salary Range	$17.41-27.87/hour
Type of Position	Staff
Position Time Status	Full-Time
Required Education	BA
Click here for more information about equivalencies:	https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience	2 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification	None
Physical Requirements	Must be able to lift, push or pull objects up to 50 lbs. Requires some sitting for long periods of time especially when sitting in the cab of farm equipment.
Shift	Days, Monday-Friday, 37.5 hours a week (Typically 8:00am-5:00pm), occasional overtime weekdays and possible weekends.
Job Summary	The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is seeking a Compost Technician to join the Research Farms division. The Research Farms provide a dynamic environment for teaching, research, and extension opportunities, serving faculty, staff, and students across the college. The Compost Technician role is a vital part of the team, supporting crop production, general operation, and maintenance of the North Farm operations. Key Responsibilities The Research Farm Compost Technician is responsible for the composting operation at North Farm, located in Lexington, KY. Further, this person monitors nutrient applications and conducts soil sampling to assure environmental compliance of soil nutrient levels. The Technician assists with all aspects of the field crops and the tobacco production program, and provides support for research programs and projects. This position also performs duties related to the general operation and maintenance of the North Farm to include assisting with the repair and maintenance of vehicles, tractors, and farm equipment. Benefits & Professional Development This position offers excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment fosters a welcoming work environment, offering professional development opportunities such as: A formal mentoring program. A staff professional development fund. Work Environment This position is located off-campus at the scenic 1800-acre North Farm in north Lexington. For additional information on the Research Farms divisions please click here (https://research.ca.uky.edu/content/central-ky-farms)
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities	Customer Service skills
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?	No
Preferred Education/Experience	KY State Compost Operator Certificate, CDL license preferred. Driver’s license preferred.
Deadline to Apply	04/14/2026
Our University Community	We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* Please indicate your amount of experience in the maintenance and repair of equipment.
- None
- More than 0, up through 1 year
- More than 1 year, up through 3 years
- More than 3 years, up through 5 years
- More than 5 years
* How many years of experience do you have safely operating and providing routine maintenance for farm equipment?
- None
- More than 0, up through 1 year
- More than 1 year, up through 2 years
- More than 2 years, up through 3 years
- More than 3 years
* Do you have experience operating and maintaining field equipment (i.e. tractors, planters, combines, and spray equipment)?
- Yes
- No
* Do you have or will you be able to obtain a Pesticide Applicators License?
- Yes
- No
* Which best represents your computer skills?
- Basic - ability to use email and internet
- Intermediate - ability to use multiple computer programs including microsoft office products as well as basic skills listed above
- Advanced - ability to manipulate documents and spreadsheets, create spreadsheets as well as basic and intermediate skills listed above
* Do you have a valid CDL (Commercial Driver's License), or are you eligible and willing to obtain a CDL within your first year of employment?
- Yes
- No
* What is your experience level driving commercial type vehicles?
- None
- More than 0, up through 1 year
- More than 1 year, up through 3 years
- More than 3 years, up through 5 years
- More than 5 years
* How much experience and knowledge do you have with the operations of a large composting facility?
- None
- More than 0, up through 1 year
- More than 1 year, up through 3 years
- More than 3 years, up through 5 years
- More than 5 years

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

Resume

Optional Documents

Cover Letter

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