Agricultural Assistant II

About the Role

The University of California Cooperative Extension of Monterey County (UCCE) is seeking to fill a full time vacancy for Agricultural Assistant II. UCCE is a partnership between the University of California (UC), Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the County of Monterey. The Agricultural Assistant II is a Monterey County position but will support the research needs of the UC Farm Advisor programs of; Agricultural Technology, Entomology, Irrigation & Nutrient Management, Plant Pathology, Vegetable & Weed Sciences, and Viticulture. A general interest in hands on learning, research, and all aspects of cool season crop growing is encouraged.

Depending on the specific assignment, incumbents perform routine duties in support of setting up field trials, harvesting, irrigation set up and experiments, disease inspection, insect trapping, assists farm advisors with field, greenhouse and laboratory experiments, conducts weed control and eradication activities and maintains equipment and facilities. This classification is part of a flexible series; incumbents appointed at the lower level may be promoted up to the higher level subject to meeting employment standards and recommendation.

Examples of Duties

• Plants and maintains crops for experiments or testing.
• Processes experimental samples of soil and plant materials, maintains and harvests crops and maintains experimental information, plants crops and inoculates crops as part of experiments, analyzes data.
• Assists in a variety of laboratory experiments and in processing samples and cultures.
• May operate hand tools; agricultural field equipment including field planters, fertilizer applicators, pesticide application equipment, tractors and various cultivation equipment.
• Inspects agricultural crops at various growth stages for quality standards or evidence of disease or pests.
• Mixes and applies pesticides according to label directions use regulations and established formulas and procedures.
• Keeps accurate records of activities related to assigned tasks.
• Maintains and makes minor repairs to agriculture equipment including lubrication, minor adjustments, and modifications.
• Plans and conducts weed control eradication activities, including herbicide applications.
• Examines insect specimens, insects traps and other materials in laboratory and field settings to detect and identify pests; refers suspect samples to experienced staff for confirmation; submits specimens to state laboratories as needed for official confirmation.
• Maintains collections of insects, plants and other materials for reference and identification.

Qualifications

Working Knowledge Of: Principles and practices of field inspection and pest identification.

Some Knowledge Of: Investigation procedures and methods used to isolate, identify, evaluate and classify insects, plant diseases, nematodes or other organisms. Methods of planting, growing and harvesting of agricultural crops.

Skill And Ability To: Identify the presence of noxious weeds and pests. Use and maintain basic agricultural tools, materials and equipment. Identify agricultural crops and ornamental plants. Understand and carry out oral and written directions. Maintain accurate records on assigned activities. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the general. Use common laboratory equipment.

Experience/Education/Training Requirements

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is: One Year of experience comparable to Agricultural Assistant I.

Conditions of Employment

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver's license. (Positions assigned to UC Cooperative Extension may be required to obtain and maintain a valid commercial driver's license within six (6) months of appointment.)
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination.
• Travel and work throughout Monterey County.
• Adhere to related federal, state and local safety laws, regulations, and ordinances as applicable.
• Wear and use proper and appropriate safety clothing and equipment.
• Acquire and maintain safety certifications as required.
• Positions assigned to UC Cooperative Extension may be required to obtain and maintain a valid Qualified Applicator Certificate within six (6) months of appointment.

Benefits

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Unit J-Unit Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.