Agricultural Assistant II

County of Monterey•Salinas, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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. An Agricultural Assistant II position is currently available within the California Cooperative Extension. 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. The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis. Flexible staffing This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion by the appointing authority.

Requirements

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.
One Year of experience comparable to Agricultural Assistant I
Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license.
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.

Nice To Haves

A general interest in hands on learning, research, and all aspects of cool season crop growing is encouraged.

Responsibilities

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.