Agricultural Assistant II

Agricultural Assistant II

Job No: 525461
Work Type:
Location: Marion
Categories: RealCat
Department: 60950000 - AG-PLANT SCIENCE RESEARCH / ED

Job Description


Classification Title:

Agricultural Assistant II

Job Description:

The Department PSREU Citra is seeking an Agriculture Assistant II. This position will assist with the crop production and maintenance throughout the growing season, data collection and irrigation systems. Incumbent will also help with teaching and extension programs within the PSREU.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Land preparation, test layouts, potential fumigation, plastic mulch application, crop pest scouting, determination of pest thresholds, spraying for pest control, calibration and maintenance of pesticide applicators, ensuring unit compliance with all applicable pesticide laws, and maintaining records of pesticide use.
• Ability to plant and harvest research trails by operating various types of planters, seeders, combines, and other harvesting equipment.
• Ability to operate equipment using the latest guidance systems available. (i.e., John Deere Green Star, Raven, Trimble systems).
• Also responsible for coordination with other agricultural assistants, senior agricultural assistants, biological scientist, research coordinators, research administration manager, IFAS faculty and extension specialists in process of reviewing current techniques, procedures, materials, and investigating new techniques, procedures, and materials to improve overall pest management at the Unit.
• Performing irrigation installation and maintenance on research tests. This includes center pivots, microjets, drip irrigation, impact sprinklers, etc. Also, to perform fertilization activities and maintaining fertilization records, soil testing and maintaining soil test records, and conveying that information to the research administration manager.
• Responsible for crop production and maintenance throughout the growing season. This requires knowledge of crop production practices and ability to recommend appropriate production practices to solve production problems.
• Regular scouting (minimum of 2 times per week) of all research plots for existing and potential production problems and producing scouting reports for research administration manager.
• Responsible for making recommendations to research administration manager on improved production needs and methods.
• Coordinate with other senior agricultural assistants, agricultural assistants, and research administration managers for assisting in field operations, including land preparation, fertilization, planting, irrigation, cultivation, harvesting and grading of research plots.
• Four 10-hour days, 7am to 5:30pm totaling 40 hours a week. Periodic overtime when required to meet emergencies and flexible hours with potential overnight stays. Employee may be called in for freeze protection weekend/emergency response/holiday/ greenhouse checks.
• Must obtain Public Pesticide License with Ag row crop and Fumigation Certification along with Forklift Certification within 6 months of hire.

Expected Salary:

$17.38 to $17.87 per hour

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Must have a valid Florida Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability and skill to calibrate planters.
• 
  Skill to accurately record data from research plots.
  
• 
  Skill to safely operate several different pieces of machinery and make adjustments, changes, or repairs.
  
• 
  Ability to accurately install irrigation systems and make adjustments when needed.
  
• 
  Ability to perform duties in a timely manner without close supervision.
  

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your resume.

This position is eligible for veteran's preference. If you are claiming veteran's preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Successful candidates must be committed to working with diverse student and community populations.

Health Assessment Required:
Yes, must be able to lift 50 lbs.



Advertised Salary:

Minimum Requirements
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Preferred Qualifications
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Special Instructions to Applicants
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Health Assessment Required: $Health

Applications Close: $Closes

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/525461/agricultural-assistant-ii

The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. jeid-88c538bcc2795d47be8ca212a3c3077a