Agricultural Science Center Laborer

Department Contact: Rebecca Martinez, rbanegas@nmsu.edu, 646-3125

This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

About the Role

The New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center at Farmington is seeking an Agricultural Science Center Laborer to assist with the daily operations and maintenance of agricultural research and demonstration activities.

Responsibilities

• Plants, harvests, cultivates and irrigates experimental research plots and research field crops.
• Mows, edges and waters lawns, trees and shrubs.
• Rakes leaves and removes debris.
• Sprays for weeds and insects.
• Distributes fertilizers and pesticides to research field crops and experimental research plots.
• Operates farm equipment including tractors and harvesters.
• Operates large power lawn mowers, edgers and hand tools.
• Operates NMSU vehicles for hauling debris and transporting equipment and supplies.
• Assists in putting up fences, fixing roads, maintenance of sheds and buildings.
• Cleans shops, sheds and barns.
• Feeds, waters and cares for research livestock.
• Cleans and sterilizes cages, stalls and feeding equipment.
• Performs repairs and/or construction of fences, roads, sheds and buildings.

Requirements

• High School diploma or higher degree.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, and other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precautions and protective equipment.

Physical Effort: Considerable physical activity. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of the job.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

Pay

Target hourly rate: $16.83

Schedule

Full-time (1.0 FTE), non-exempt position. May work on weekends and evenings.