Agricultural Assistant

Agricultural Assistant I

Job No: 538057 | Work Type:
Full Time |

Location:

Marion | Categories:
Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agriculture Operations | Department:  - AG-PLANT SCIENCE RESEARCH - ED

Assist with faculty field research projects and field maintenance at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit.

Key responsibilities include:

• Hand labor functions such as tying and staking tomatoes, planting vegetable transplants, sod installation, removing dead leaves in the greenhouse, weed eradication, mowing, and other related tasks.
• Harvesting fruit and vegetables, mowing turf plots, planting ornamental flowers, plastic mulch removal and disposal, and implementing plastic mulch application techniques to improve soil quality and crop yield.
• Support greenhouse research and miscellaneous labor functions on an agricultural farm.
• Operation of state and farm vehicles and heavy equipment as needed for various farm operations.
• Responsible for irrigation installation and maintenance, planning efficient irrigation designs for various crops, and assisting with the installation of systems such as center pivots, micro jets, impact sprinklers, and drip irrigation.
• Perform fertilization activities and maintain fertilization records.
• Regular crop pest scouting (minimum twice per week) of research plots and producing scouting reports for the Farm Manager.
• Assist with field operations, including test layout design and execution to evaluate different agricultural methods.
• Maintain plot right of way to ensure safe and efficient access and use of research plots.
• Assist with land preparation tasks to ensure optimal conditions for subsequent agricultural activities.
• Assist with all other programs managed by the unit such as Heavy Equipment, FEPP, Event Days, Safety and Training, and more.
• Maintain equipment used in research operations and perform general upkeep of grounds and buildings in the work area.

Expected salary: $15.00 per hour.

• Valid Florida driver’s license.

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute.
• Effective communication skills in both written and verbal methods.
• Knowledge of crop harvesting, grading and packing techniques.
• Knowledge of hooking up and operating irrigation systems.
• Assisting Field Techs and Graduate Students with research tests.
• Knowledge of farm implements used in research.
• Knowledge and ability to obtain and maintain restricted public pesticide license with Ag Row endorsement.
• Knowledge of pesticides, fertilizers, and applicators, and the ability to calibrate application equipment.
• Knowledge of performing mathematical calculations.
• Detail oriented and capable of establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with others.

• Upload cover letter and resume.
• Forklift certification;
  Florida pesticide license to be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
• Standard Monday – Friday, 8‑hour days, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. totaling 40 hours a week.

Applications close: 17 December 2025.

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The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352‑392‑2477 or use the Florida Relay System at 800‑955‑8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.