Farm Assistant II​/III, Carvel Research and Education Center

University of Delaware Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Job No: 503833

Work Type:
Staff

Location:
Georgetown, DE

Categories:
Research & Laboratory, Full Time

PAY GRADE: 26N (Farm Assistant II) / 27N (Farm Assistant III)

The Farm Assistant provides operational and technical support for agricultural research and farm operations. The position operates and maintains agricultural, irrigation, and precision agriculture equipment; performs field operations within research plots according to established protocols and field plans; assists with equipment and facility maintenance; transports agricultural equipment and materials; and performs pesticide and nutrient applications. Work is performed in collaboration with farm management, faculty, staff, students, and researchers to ensure safe, efficient, and timely operations while maintaining research integrity.

At the Farm Assistant III level, the position performs more skilled and independent technical work, including precise research field operations, equipment calibration and troubleshooting, repair of agricultural equipment and infrastructure, and assistance with planning and coordinating farm activities. The Farm Assistant III may also provide operational guidance to seasonal employees, students, and other personnel as assigned.

The position may be filled at either the Farm Assistant II or Farm Assistant III level, based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The level and corresponding classification will be determined at the time of hire.

On-campus housing is available as part of this position and is encouraged due to the nature of the role and its proximity to farm operations. However, residing on campus is not a condition of employment, and candidates who prefer to maintain their own off-campus housing will still receive full consideration.

• Operate, adjust, and maintain tractors, planters, sprayers, combines, tillage equipment, specialized research machinery, and other agricultural equipment.
• Perform field operations within research plots according to established protocols and field plans to maintain plot integrity and research quality.
• Operate precision agriculture technologies, including GPS/GNSS guidance, autosteer, rate and section control, machine monitoring, computerized equipment controls, and related technologies.
• Operate and maintain irrigation systems, pumps, wells, valves, controls, and related infrastructure.
• Perform maintenance and repairs to agricultural equipment, vehicles, irrigation systems, buildings, and other farm infrastructure.
• Perform preventive maintenance and maintain required equipment, maintenance, application, and research records.
• Assist with equipment setup, calibration, adjustment, and preparation for research and production activities.
• Transport agricultural equipment, materials, and supplies using light- and heavy-duty trucks and trailers.
• Apply pesticides, fertilizers, and nutrients according to research protocols, labels, University procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Follow and promote established safety procedures and University policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED and relevant agricultural operations, machinery, or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of agricultural production practices and experience operating, adjusting, and maintaining agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to maintain and repair agricultural equipment, irrigation systems, vehicles, and related infrastructure.
• Ability to perform precise field operations and follow research protocols, field plans, application instructions, and equipment settings.
• Experience with, or ability to learn, precision agriculture technologies, computerized equipment controls, and electronic data collection systems.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and adapt to changing weather, research, and operational conditions.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, students, researchers, and seasonal employees.
• Basic computer skills, including email, electronic recordkeeping, Word, and Excel.
• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and Delaware Pesticide Applicator and Nutrient Management Applicator certifications preferred at hire; required…