Agricultural Assistant II

University of Florida

5d•$18

About The Position

The incumbent will perform tasks as assigned to conduct field demonstrations including equipment preparation and maintenance, sampling, harvesting, and grading. Must be able to perform safe and efficient operation of farm machinery and equipment. The incumbent will implement vital research and extension programs. Tasks include escorting and assisting in transporting over size equipment to and from on-farm demonstration sites. The incumbent must be able to operate a tractor trailer in the absence of other certified staff. These tasks will require training and license to perform these duties. Scheduling crop services with farmer cooperators and fulfilling the needs of research and extension projects. The incumbent will perform basic equipment repair and modification. Tasks include servicing equipment, welding repairs/fabrication, and light carpentry work. The incumbent will perform repairs and maintenance and fertigation, applications. Other duties as required to support the overall mission of NFREC -Suwannee Valley.

Requirements

A 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.
Valid Florida driver’s license.
Class A CDL and truck transport escort certification will be required within 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

The ability to operate all forms of farm machinery (tractors, backhoes, combines, etc.)
Experience with field preparation, planting, crop maintenance, collecting samples, harvesting and other crop production related activities.
Experience with irrigation equipment operations and repair (pivot/drip).
The ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with others.

Responsibilities

Conduct field demonstrations including equipment preparation and maintenance, sampling, harvesting, and grading.
Perform safe and efficient operation of farm machinery and equipment.
Implement vital research and extension programs.
Escort and assist in transporting over size equipment to and from on-farm demonstration sites.
Operate a tractor trailer in the absence of other certified staff.
Schedule crop services with farmer cooperators and fulfilling the needs of research and extension projects.
Perform basic equipment repair and modification.
Service equipment, welding repairs/fabrication, and light carpentry work.
Perform repairs and maintenance and fertigation, applications.
Other duties as required to support the overall mission of NFREC -Suwannee Valley.