Laboratory Technician Senior

Job Title
Laboratory Technician Senior

Requisition Number
RE56279

Working Title

Department Name
81060:PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
40

Salary Range
$15.61-24.99/hour

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

BS

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

1 yr

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Occasional lifting and moving of objects up to and over 50 lbs, occasional repetitive motion. Occasional farm and greenhouse work with no air conditioning or heating.

Shift

Days, Monday-Friday (37.5 hrs./week).
Typically, 8:00am-4:30pm

Job Summary

Supporting Water Quality Research Across Kentucky Through Strong Laboratory and Field Operations

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Laboratory Technician Senior to join the Soil and Water Quality Laboratory within thePlant and Soil Sciences Departmentin the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

This position provides essential laboratory and field support for agriculture and urban water quality research projects across Kentucky. The role manages laboratory resources and data, performs standardized analyses, supports soil and water sampling activities, and supervises temporary and undergraduate student employees while maintaining established laboratory and field safety practices.

What You’ll Do

• Manage laboratory supplies, equipment, organization, acquisition records, and other resources supporting the Water Quality Program.
• Manage laboratory data collection and records and perform standardized laboratory analysis procedures.
• Supervise temporary and undergraduate student laboratory employees.
• Organize, prepare, and maintain field supplies and equipment for soil and water quality research activities.
• Assist with soil and water sampling and maintain field vehicles.
• Follow laboratory and field safety protocols while providing effective service to internal and external constituents.
• Build professional knowledge through relevant training, classes, and seminars.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong organizational, recordkeeping, and time-management skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others.
• Ability to supervise undergraduate laboratory assistants.
• Commitment to following laboratory and field safety protocols.
• Leadership and management skills.
• A commitment to excellent customer service, professional development, and continuous learning.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1 year of related experience

What’s In It for You

• Contribute directly to agriculture and urban water quality research projects serving communities across Kentucky.
• Gain hands-on experience supporting both laboratory operations and field-based soil and water quality research.
• Expand your professional knowledge through training, classes, and seminars.
• UK’s Exceptional Benefits

Why Now?
Ongoing agriculture and urban water quality research depends on reliable laboratory operations, accurate data management, and well-prepared field activities. This position helps keep that work moving by ensuring researchers have organized resources, dependable laboratory support, and assistance with soil and water sampling.

By supporting both laboratory and field activities, the Laboratory Technician Senior contributes to the Soil and Water Quality Laboratory’s ability to conduct water quality research across Kentucky while maintaining high standards for safety, service, and operational effectiveness.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Driver’s license preferred.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

Deadline to Apply
11/23/2026

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.