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 agricultural staff for 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.
• Ensure unit compliance with all applicable pesticide laws and maintain records of pesticide use.
• Assist with land prep, planting, seeding, harvesting, and grading of research plots, and plot/right of way maintenance.
• Assist with other programs (Heavy Equipment; FEPP; Event Days; Safety and Training; etc.) managed by the unit as needed.
• Respond to catastrophic events around the state with emergency response for IFAS.
• Maintain equipment used in research operations and general upkeep of grounds and buildings in work area.
• 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

• Preferred: High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience.
• Must be an effective communicator using both written and verbal methods.
• Knowledge of crop harvesting, grading, and packing.
• Knowledge of hooking up and operating irrigation systems.
• Experience 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, fertilizers, applicators, and ability to calibrate application equipment.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Must be 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 per 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