University of Connecticut · 1 month ago
Turfgrass Research Technician (Laboratory Technician 1)
Storrs, CT
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
1+ years expThe University of Connecticut is seeking a Turfgrass Research Technician to provide technical assistance for turfgrass research, teaching, and outreach. The role involves establishing and maintaining turfgrass areas, conducting pesticide applications, and supporting faculty and researchers in various projects.
EducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Establish, maintain, and renovate turfgrass areas for research, teaching, and outreach activities
Prioritize cultural management of turfgrass research plots in consultation with researchers and farm manager. This includes mowing, irrigating, fertilizing, cultivating, and pest scouting
Prepare and apply pesticides as needed to manage weeds, insects, and diseases of turfgrasses in research fields and greenhouses
Identify turfgrass species and diagnose common weed, insect, and disease problems
Operate equipment, instrumentation, and related components including computer software and systems
Assist in maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing gas powered equipment
Calibrate field equipment to ensure accurate application of fertilizers and pesticides
Responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of high-volume, in-ground irrigation system, and satellite controllers
Collect, compile, and distribute climate, soil conditions, and other data to researchers to inform experimental activity and turfgrass health management decisions
Assist with field laboratory procedures as needed, including establishing research trials, applying treatments, soil sampling, plant tissue harvest, and collecting quantitative and qualitative data to support faculty research
Maintain appropriate digital records and files related to the maintenance of research plot and pesticide applications
Conduct basic maintenance and repair skills for small-engines, specialized turfgrass, and landscape equipment including the precision adjustment and grinding of reel-mowers for fine-cut turfgrass
Assist faculty and researchers with teaching and outreach initiatives by preparing plant specimens, developing and presenting turfgrass instructional content for undergraduate and professional audiences, and providing logistical support for planning and delivering outreach events such as the UConn Turfgrass Field Day, the New England Regional Turfgrass Conference, and other programs
Provide supervision of hourly labor, students, and other support positions associated with the Turfgrass Science Program
Other related duties
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in turfgrass science, plant science, or a related field with at least one year of relevant experience; OR Associate's degree with three or more years of experience; OR five or more years of experience in a related field
Knowledge and experience in growing and maintaining high-quality turfgrass areas such as sports fields, golf courses, or residential and commercial properties, or field research plots
Experience in Integrated Pest Management for control of turfgrass pests
Experience identifying turfgrass species and diagnose common weed, insect, and disease problems
Demonstrated experience with calibration, application, maintenance, and repair of sprayers and broadcast spreaders, and with computers and electronic record keeping
Current Connecticut Governmental Commercial Junior Operator Certification pesticide license or ability to acquire Certification within one month of hire
Effective communication and conflict resolution skills
Self-motivation and ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively
Flexibility and willingness to work irregular schedules, including evenings and weekends
Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions
Problem-solving ability and adaptability in dynamic work environments
Demonstrated interest in promoting the UConn Turfgrass Science Program and commitment to ongoing professional development through continuing education
Preferred
Experience operating and repairing high-volume in-ground irrigation systems
Experience using instruments such as TDR probes or visual symptoms to scout turf for moisture stress or disease, weed, and insect incidence
Experience with specialized turfgrass equipment operation and maintenance including reel-mowers and reel grinding equipment
Supervisory or leadership experience
Benefits
Employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn
A highly desirable work environment
Company
University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut is a public research university that operates multiple campuses across Connecticut.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Connecticut has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (104)
2024 (94)
2023 (108)
2022 (130)
2021 (78)
2020 (108)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$40.68MKey Investors
U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyUS Department of EnergyU.S. Department of Agriculture
2024-10-30Grant· $10M
2024-03-28Grant
2023-06-21Grant· $4.5M
Leadership Team
Mingyu Qiao
Assistant Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (tenure-track)
Recent News
Hartford Business Journal
2026-01-03
Business Wire
2025-12-30
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