Agricultural Assistant I

Primary responsibility is to assist with faculty field research projects and field maintenance at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit.

Responsibilities

• 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, and support of greenhouse research.
• Miscellaneous labor type functions associated with an agricultural farm.
• Irrigation installation and maintenance, including center pivots, micro jets, impact sprinklers, and drip irrigation.
• Perform fertilization activities and maintain fertilization records.
• Regular scouting (minimum of 2 times per week) of all research plots for existing and potential production problems and producing scouting reports for Farm Manager.
• Operation of state and farm vehicles in the performance of job duties.
• Coordinate with other senior agricultural assistants, agricultural assistants, Farm Manager, and research coordinators for assisting in field operations, including:
  • Land preparation, test layouts, plastic mulch application.
  • Crop pest scouting, determination of pest thresholds, spraying for pest control.
  • Calibration and maintenance of pesticide applicators, ensuring unit compliance with all applicable pesticide laws.
  • Maintaining records of pesticide use.
• Assist with land prep, planting, seeding, harvesting, and grading of research plots, and plot/right-of-way maintenance.
• Assist with all other programs (Heavy Equipment; FEPP; Event Days; Safety and Training; etc.) managed by the unit as needed.
• Maintain equipment used in research operations and general upkeep of grounds and buildings in work area.
• Help in catastrophic events around the state with emergency response for IFAS.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
• Job requires standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, stooping, and walking.
• Forklift certification.
• Florida pesticide license to be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Working conditions can be noisy, hot, and dusty; 90% of duties are performed in research fields.
• Some travel may be required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience (preferred).
• Effective communicator using both written and verbal methods.
• Knowledge of when to harvest crops, 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, applicators, and ability to calibrate application equipment.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Detail-oriented and capable of establishing/maintaining positive working relationships with others.

Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8-hour days (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM), totaling 40 hours a week.
• Periodic overtime when required to meet emergencies and flexible hours with potential overnight stays.
• May be called in for freeze protection or weekend/holiday greenhouse checks.

Pay

Up to $15.00 per hour