Agricultural Assistant II

University of Florida•Hillsborough, FL

6d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves assisting with various aspects of agricultural operations, including crop maintenance, maintenance operations, land preparation, and harvesting. The role requires hands-on work in the field and a commitment to safety and teamwork. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with farm equipment and a working knowledge of field plot research procedures.

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.
Familiarity with farm equipment: knowledge and skills to operate adequately and safely (i.e. farm tractors and attached equipment, farm trucks, and motorized sprayers).
Stand and walk for extended or continuous periods of time.
Bend and stretch several times during the course of the day.
Ability to work with faculty and other members of the Research Center staff.
Has a working knowledge of field plot research procedures.
Able to recognize potential safety problems and correct them and to practice safety personally.
Flexible enough to change work methods if asked.
Ability to anticipate problems, inform supervisor of the situation, and take appropriate and timely action.
Demonstrate commitment to contributing to a respectful and caring community for all, including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientation, and perspectives.

Nice To Haves

Pesticide License preferred (must obtain within 3 months and maintain)

Responsibilities

Assist in punching holes for tomatoes, strawberries, or any other needs.
Assist in staking and tying tomatoes.
Assist in calibration of spray equipment.
Responsible for spraying herbicides and pesticides as requested.
Assist in planting different crops.
Obtain within 3 months and maintain pesticide applicator license.
Assist in routine repair of different types of irrigation systems, including filters.
Assist in cleaning of equipment and work areas.
Responsible for cleanliness, orderliness and maintenance of all working areas.
Assist in preventative maintenance of tractors, state vehicles, and farm equipment.
Perform any unscheduled work related to the field.
Assist in land preparation, i.e., disking, harrowing, rototilling.
Assist in bedding, mulching before planting.
Assist in removing the plastic mulch, twine, and stakes from the fields at the end of the season.
Assist in the harvest of research crops.
Assist in grading the crops after the harvest, and weighing of the fruits.