Farm Attendant; Yuma, AZ

Department Website Link (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-center

Location Yuma

Address 6425 W 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 USA

The Yuma Agricultural Center is seeking a skilled and organized individual to fill the position of Farm Attendant (Agriculture Worker II). This position performs skilled irrigation operations and supports agricultural field activities to promote efficient crop production. The incumbent manages and maintains water delivery systems and operates tractors and agricultural equipment to assist with field preparation, planting, and cultivation. The position collaborates with farm staff and external partners to support irrigation needs and research initiatives at the Yuma Agricultural Center.

The Yuma Agricultural Center has two sites: a Valley Farm four miles west of Yuma and a Mesa Farm four miles south of the city. The 274-acre Valley Farm serves as the headquarters and supports investigations for a diversified range of crops, including cotton, small grains, and vegetables such as lettuce and broccoli. The 240-acre Mesa Farm has been focused on citrus production and more recently has provided a testing ground for commercial soil amendment technologies designed to support soil health and reduce water use.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Under supervision, operate, monitor, and maintain irrigation systems including furrow/flood, overhead sprinklers, micro-sprinklers, and drip systems.
• Coordinate and communicate with irrigation district ditch riders to secure water deliveries from main canals.
• Assist with managing irrigation pumps, set gates, and adjust flow rates to ensure proper water distribution and efficiency.
• Evaluate soil moisture and field conditions to optimize irrigation scheduling.
• Assist within installing and managing irrigation infrastructure including sprinkler pipe setup, drip tape injection, and system layout adjustments.
• Apply fertilizers through irrigation (fertigation) in accordance with crop and research requirements.
• Assist with conducting routine maintenance of irrigation systems and canals, including cleaning, repairs, and debris removal.
• Maintain accurate irrigation records and logs of water usage and applications.
• Operate tractors and implements to support land preparation activities such as disking, listing, and light leveling.
• Assist with GPS-guided equipment when needed and ensure safe, efficient machinery operation.
• Assist with planting, bed preparation, and cultivation using tractors and specialized implements.
• Support crop maintenance activities and field operations to ensure proper crop establishment and growth.
• Assist with harvesting, research plots, road maintenance, and general farm duties.
• Perform basic equipment checks, report issues, and help maintain a clean and safe work environment.

• Knowledge of a variety of cultivating equipment for specific crops.
• Strong understanding of land preparation techniques and best practices.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery safely and effectively.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Experience with precision agriculture tools and technology.
• Previous experience with all aspects of farming and farming operations.
• Experience operating farm equipment.

Contact:
Samuel Discua Duarte, Director Yuma Agricultural Center - sdiscuaduarte