Agricultural Assistant I

University of Florida•Marion, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Primary responsibility is to assist with faculty field research projects and field maintenance at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit. This includes, but is not limited to, 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, support of greenhouse research, and any miscellaneous labor type function associated with an agricultural farm. Secondary responsibility is with irrigation installation and maintenance and research tests. This includes center pivots, micro jets, impact sprinklers, drip irrigation, etc. Also, to perform fertilization activities and maintaining fertilization records. Assist with 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. Performs other duties related to research farming as required and assigned by 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, and maintaining records of pesticide use. Assist 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 unit as needed. Performs other duties related to research crop production as required and assigned by Farm manager. Helps in catastrophic events around the state with emergency response for IFAS.

Requirements

Forklift certification
Florida pesticide license to be obtained within 6 months of hire
Valid Florida driver’s license
Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Job requires standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, stooping, and walking.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent
Two years of relevant experience
Effective communicator using both written and verbal methods
Knowing when to harvest crops, also the 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 and applicators and ability to calibrate application equipment
Knowledge and ability to perform mathematical calculations
Must be detail oriented and capable of establishing/maintaining positive working relationships with others

Responsibilities

Assist with faculty field research projects and field maintenance.
Perform 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, support of greenhouse research.
Assist with irrigation installation and maintenance and research tests, including center pivots, micro jets, impact sprinklers, drip irrigation, etc.
Perform fertilization activities and maintain fertilization records.
Assist with regular scouting of research plots for production problems and produce scouting reports.
Operate state and farm vehicles.
Coordinate with other staff 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 compliance with pesticide laws, and 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 other unit programs as needed.
Help in catastrophic events around the state with emergency response for IFAS.
Maintain equipment used in research operations.
Perform general upkeep of grounds and buildings in the work area.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.