Classification Title
Agricultural Assistant II
Classification Minimum Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
Job Description
General Agricultural Assistant Duties
Agricultural Assistant II is expected to partner directly with Farm Manager and Farm Supervisors to complete specific research and extension programmatic duties, including, but not limited to, the following:
* Perform in-field procedures using a variety of equipment for field, greenhouse, or lab experiments; driving will be required.
* Maintain records on crops, plants, or experiments.
* Coordinate maintenance and operation of farm equipment.
* Serve as co‑lead for farm construction and maintenance projects.
* Document crop and weather conditions and recommend timing for planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
* May train other workers in farm tasks.
* Install, maintain, and repair all irrigation and sprinkler systems.
* Maintain roads, grounds, supplies, and move equipment.
* Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush.
* Serve as essential personnel during emergencies, being available to prepare for storms, provide facility protection, and take initial steps to restore normal operations.
Row Crop Spray Technician Duties
Incumbent will oversee daily integrated pest management across HAEC Subunit facilities. This position includes, but is not limited to, the following duties:
* Perform chemical and fertilizer applications on assigned areas for weeds, insects, and disease; prepare and apply proper herbicides, insecticides, or fungicide mixtures; apply dry, granular, and liquid fertilizers to turf, ornamentals, horticulture, and agronomic crops.
* Monitor the health of assigned areas and plants as well as insect populations and diseases.
* Maintain proper documentation as required by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and university policy and procedures.
* Ensure all chemical storage, transportation and disposal comply with regulations and product requirements.
* Remove weeds mechanically and manually where needed.
* Prepare disease plant samples for laboratory submission and analysis.
* Interact with Assistant Director, Farm Manager, and Farm Supervisors to manage buildings and grounds, office space, greenhouses, irrigation wells, pumps, etc.
* Co‑supervise all unit equipment resources, especially spray applicator equipment.
* Work with Farm Manager, Director, Assistant Director, and Farm Supervisor to develop strategies for integrated pest management decisions.
Educational Event Support
Agricultural Assistant II will work directly with Assistant Director, Farm Manager and Farm Supervisors to structure and promote educational extension events (e.g., Field Days). The assistant also assists with providing support to and working with other unit, county, or state personnel to facilitate extension educational programs across all HAEC sub‑unit facilities.
Work Schedule
7:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday – Friday (40 hours/week)
6:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Thursday (40 hours/week); 4‑10 schedule may be necessary. Incumbent may need to be available for extension activities after normal working hours.
Expected Salary
Commensurate with education and experience.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
Preferred Qualifications
* Stellar communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
* Demonstrated strength in organization and efficiency meeting deadlines.
* In-depth experience supporting research farming operations.
* Moderate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
* Experience with digital facility management tools a plus.
* Experience with pesticide applications.
Veteran Preference
Position is eligible for veteran’s preference. Applicants claiming veteran’s preference must upload a copy of their DD‑214 Member Copy 4 with application.
Health Assessment Required
Yes, this position will involve climbing, frequent reaching above shoulder, heavy lifting, kneeling, pesticide use, repeated bending, and repetitive pulling and pushing.
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