Agricultural Assistant - UF​/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program

Job Description

This is an Agricultural Assistant I position based in Citra, FL, within the Blueberry Breeding Program (UFBBP) of the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

Duties include:

• Fieldwork involving the maintenance of the germplasm collection of the UF Blueberry Breeding program:
  • Assist with planting, irrigating, fertilizing, and other activities critical to the growth and maintenance of the germplasm collection plants.
  • Weed maintenance of the germplasm collection at the Citra greenhouse facilities and research farm location.
• Assist the Field Agricultural Scientist with the maintenance/repair of the irrigation infrastructure of the UFBBP plant plots:
  • Routine monitoring of the field and greenhouse environmental controls and water supply.
  • Maintain the field hygiene in accordance with the segregated waste streams dictated by the PSF and PSERU.
• Assist the Agricultural Scientist with monitoring pest and disease presence in the UFBBP Germplasm collection.
• Assist the Agricultural Scientist with maintenance of miscellaneous equipment used in caring for the UFBBP Germplasm:
  • Monitoring of the field and greenhouse essential equipment (fans, cooling pad, and irrigating tools).
• Other duties as assigned.

Expected Salary: $16.00 to $20.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Required:

None.

Preferred:
Experience in Agriculture or related field.

This is a time-limited position.

Veteran’s preference:
This position is eligible for Veteran’s preference.

Health Assessment

Required:

Yes.