Research Farm Assistant 1

Job Description

As a selective-admissions, comprehensive public university, Louisiana Tech is committed to quality in teaching, research, creative activity and scholarship, public service, and workforce/economic development.  Louisiana Tech maintains as its highest priority the education and development of its students in a challenging environment within a safe and supportive, diverse community of learners.

Are you looking for a role where your hard work supports groundbreaking discovery? Louisiana Tech University is seeking a dedicated Research Farm Assistant 1 to join our School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry. Our mission is to pioneer sustainable farming practices and livestock management that feed the world.

In this role, you aren't just maintaining land; you are the backbone of a sprawling 850-acre research hub. You will provide the essential labor and technical support required to ensure our faculty and students can produce reliable, world-changing data. Whether you are prepping a field for a new trial or ensuring our livestock are secure, your work is the foundation of our success.

This is more than just farm work; it is a contribution to the greater good. You will work in a stable, academic environment where you are part of a community dedicated to science. From assisting in livestock breeding to helping students at FFA events, every day offers a new challenge and the opportunity to work on a scale (850 acres!) that few other roles can provide.

Minimum Qualifications:

No experience or training is required.

Job Specifications:

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

As a Research Farm Assistant 1, you will:

• Assists with the building and repairing of fences
• Clean, maintain, and perform minor repairs to farm equipment
• Clean up and perform minor repairs around and within the shop
• Load square and round hay bales on the trailer and take from field to barn, unload
• Cut down trees, limbs, and branches; prune shrubs
• Pick up and haul away limbs or branches that have fallen from trees and shrubs in all areas
• Rake and haul away straw and leaves
• Keep the drainage leading to the pond in the garden free of debris
• Assists with the feeding, breeding, transport and securing of livestock
• Operate string trimmer, blade edger, chainsaw, and lawnmower
• Operates tractors and other equipment to assist in the maintenance of an 850-acre farm area.
• Assists with mowing, plowing, cultivating fields, and harvesting fields.
• Assists in setting up plots and the collection of data
• Prepare the area for attending groups; set up and take down tables and chairs
• Pick up and bag trash

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: This position will be filled as a Probationary Appointment.

Location: Louisiana Tech University-School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry-Ruston, LA
Work Schedule: The typical work schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Hourly Rate: $11.45

Closing Date: February 7, 2026

Benefits: Louisiana Tech offers outstanding perks and benefits to eligible employees that include a variety of health insurance plans and retirement options, paid time off for vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, substantially reduced-rate tuition for employees and their dependents, discounted memberships at the university’s sports and wellness center, professional development training, and promotional opportunities. In addition, market adjustment salary increases are awarded annually (pending funding availability) for eligible classified employees.

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. 

* Information to support your eligibility for this job title must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections on your application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:

Louisiana Tech University, Office of Human Resources

P.O. Box 3173

Ruston, LA 71272

Phone: 318-257-2235

Fax: 318-257-2482

Louisiana Tech University is an AA/ADA/EEO employer. Louisiana Tech recruits, selects, employs and promotes without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information in its admission and recruitment of students, educational programs, and activities, or employment policies.

Please Note:  Applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on the Job Closing Date to ensure consideration.