Agricultural Assistant

Classification Title

Agricultural Assistant I

None.

Assist with faculty field research projects and field maintenance at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit. This includes, but is not limited to, hand labor functions such as tying and staking tomatoes, planting vegetable transplants, sod installation, removing dead leaves in the greenhouse, weed eradication, mowing, and weed eating alleys in research plots, harvesting fruit and vegetables, mowing turf plots, planting ornamental flowers, plastic mulch removal and disposal implementing plastic mulch application techniques to improve soil quality and crop yield.

Support of greenhouse research, and any miscellaneous labor type function associated with an agricultural farm. Operation of state and farm vehicles in the performance of job duties to include utilizing heavy equipment as needed to support various farm operations.

Responsible for irrigation installation and maintenance and research tests including research plot irrigation system, plan efficient irrigation designs for various crops and assist with the installation of new systems. This includes center pivots, micro jets, impact sprinklers, drip irrigation, etc. Also, to perform fertilization activities and maintaining fertilization records. Assist with regular crop pest scouting (minimum of 2 times per week) of all research plots for existing and potential production problems and producing scouting reports for Farm Manager.

Performs other duties related to research farming as required and assigned by Farm manager.

Collaborate with other agricultural assistants, Farm Manager and research coordinators for assisting in field operations, including test layouts designing and executing test layouts to evaluate different agricultural methods and their effectiveness. Plastic mulch application implementing plastic mulch application techniques to improve soil quality and crop yield. Performing regular scouting for pests to mitigate risks and apply necessary control measures. Assist planting, seeding, harvesting and grading of research plots.

Maintaining plot right of way ensuring that the right of way for plots is properly maintained for safe and efficient access and use. Assisting with Land Preparation performing preliminary land preparation tasks to ensure optimal conditions for subsequent agricultural activities.

Assist with all other programs (Heavy Equipment; FEPP; Event Days; Safety and Training; etc.) managed by unit as needed. Performs other duties related to research crop production as required and assigned by Farm manager. Helps in catastrophic events around the state with emergency response for IFAS.

Responsible for maintaining equipment used in research operations, also general upkeep of grounds and buildings in work area. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

$15.00 per hour

Must have a valid Florida driver's license. Preferred:
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 be an effective communicator using both written and verbal methods.

• Knowing when to harvest crops, also the grading and packing of crops once harvested.
• Knowledge of hooking up and operating irrigation systems.
• Assisting Field Techs and Grad 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 and fertilizers and applicators and ability to calibrate application equipment.
• Knowledge and ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Must be detail oriented and capable of establishing/maintaining positive working relationships with others.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. Forklift certification, Florida pesticide license to be obtained within 6 months of hire. Must have a valid Florida driver's license. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. Monday - Friday - 8-hour days, 7am to 3:30pm totaling 40 hours a week. 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.

Yes