Seasonal Agricultural Worker - Cooperative Extension Fruit IPM Program

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting

Title:

Seasonal Agricultural Worker - Cooperative Extension Fruit IPM Program

Posting Number: 26TM0064

Department: Pest Management

The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) is an integral component of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. The experiment station provides a diverse range of research, extension, and education programs that serve the people of New Jersey and the urban, suburban, and rural communities in which they live. Through its Cooperative Extension offices in all 21 New Jersey counties, dedicated 4-H agents, Extension specialists, Family & Community Health Sciences educators, and Agriculture and Natural Resources agents work to serve New Jersey residents in every area of the state.

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fruit IPM program is an educational/service program for commercial agriculture in New Jersey. Driven by environmental monitoring and field scouting, and relying on up-to-date research, the program helps growers produce high-quality fruit while minimizing inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers, and maximizing honey bee and pollinator health. The program seeks to optimize the use of reduced-risk strategies, computerized phenology models of insects and diseases, mating disruption and other biological intensive management practices, and GIS technologies.

The program works cooperatively with researchers, demonstrates new technologies and measures the impact of reduced-risk IPM practices. The work is used to manage crop value, reduce the environmental impact of agricultural systems, and minimize non-point source pollution.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking Seasonal Agricultural Workers for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fruit IPM program. Under the guidance and direction of the Sr. Program Coordinator/Program Associate of the Fruit IPM program at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center off-Campus farm, these positions perform assistance to the IPM program with field and laboratory work.

• Performs regular data collection (1-2 times per week per site), identifying pest presence, identifying beneficial arthropods, completing IPM reports for participating growers, mapping pest presence, entering data into a database, the use of GPS receivers and GIS databases where appropriate, and plant tissue and soil sampling when needed.
• Works in commercial blueberry fields, vineyards, and orchards and/or with honeybees.
• Shares duties on field research projects with entomology and plant pathology specialists.

FLSA: Nonexempt

Salary Details: $15.92 - $22.00/hourly

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Full Time

Working Hours: 40 hours or less

Daily

Work Shift:

Day

Work Arrangement: This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Payroll Designation: People Soft

Terms of Appointment: Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Minimum

Education and Experience:

High school/vocational school education or equivalent experience.

Certifications/Licenses: A valid driver's license would be required for this position.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework in environmental studies, agriculture, biology, chemistry, entomology, plant pathology, and/or GIS databases.
• Additional experience and/or community college training with agricultural production.
• Competence in MS Excel and web-based Google software is helpful.

Equipment Utilized:

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• During the growing season, technicians spend almost 100% of their time outside in field conditions.
• Travel required to and around assigned farms.

Special

Conditions:

• Clean Driving Record.
• Multiple Vacancies.

Posting Open Date: 02/19/2026

Posting Close Date: 08/19/2026

Open Until Filled: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization requirements:
Under Policy 100.3.1…