Senior Agricultural Technician - Kearney REC - Parlier, CA,

Pay $22.87 - $26.78 / hour

Location Parlier/California

Employment type

Full-Time

Senior Agricultural Technician - Kearney REC - Parlier, CA, Job
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources

The Senior Agricultural Technician position performs all phases of cultural practices including operation of complex farm equipment, layout/installation and operation of irrigation systems, pesticide/chemical applications, lead person for seasonal farm labor, and assists with the maintenance of physical plant and equipment.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

• 60% CROP CARE/MAINTENANCE - Perform land preparation and cultural operations for row, tree, landscape and ornamental crops, including but not limited to: plowing, discing, subsoiling, leveling, bedding, fertilizing, planting, and harvesting.
• Determine proper soil and/or crop conditions to work the field or perform cultural activities. Select, setup and operate appropriate equipment and implements to achieve research project and Center goals.
• Provide plant care and maintenance including weeding, pruning, hedging, thinning of leaves and limbs, removal of trees and shrubs and harvesting of fruit.
• Perform chemical applications including pesticides and fertilizers.
• Perform layout, installation and operation of irrigation systems including 4" aluminum pipes, inline drip irrigation or micro sprinklers.
• Instruct seasonal farm labor in the performance of these activities.
• Maintain assigned records and logs for crop care activities.

• Assist with and/or perform collection of fruit, soil and plant samples for yield or other data as required by project.
• Assist with preparation of field days and conduct tours.

• Perform equipment repair and maintenance.
• Assist with the upkeep and maintenance of Center roads, drainage ditches, and fences.
• Assist with building repair and maintenance including minor carpentry, masonry and painting activities.
• Select and operate hand, power and earthmoving equipment as required, including but not limited to, backhoe and bulldozer.

• Perform prescribed vertebrate pest control activities according to Center policy and established practices including monitoring activity, maintenance of logs and records, trapping, baiting, and exclusion.

• Three years of agricultural experience with a demonstrated ability to operate heavy and/or complex agricultural equipment or a demonstrated ability to perform at a skilled level within an area of specialization.
• Obtain Qualified Applicator's Certificate within one year of hire.
• Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Skills to perform land preparation, cultivation and maintenance tasks including complex operations with tractors and equipment.
• Skills to independently select, setup and operate appropriate equipment for assigned tasks.
• Skills using computer systems including Work, Excel, Access, Outlook, and other computer programs.
• Skills to calibrate, set up and operate equipment for accurate chemical applications.
• Knowledge of plant culture.
• Knowledge of cultural practices for research in row, tree and ornamental crops.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions to complete tasks and meet project specifications.
• Ability to follow all safety procedures to maintain a safe work environment.
• Ability to follow pesticide label instructions.
• Ability to safely handle chemicals and hazardous materials.

• Skills to operate farm, hand and power equipment safely and properly.
• Skills to identify vertebrate pests, habitat and damage, and perform appropriate control measures.
• Skills to perform building and equipment repair and service.
• Skills to maintain roads, small buildings, fences, and drainage ditches.
• Understanding of research activities.
• Ability to read and interpret plot maps to assist researchers with work on their plots.
• Ability to instruct contract labor lead in the safe and proper performance of cultural activities and sample collection.

• Overtime and occasional weekend work as needed, usually on short notice to…