Agriculture Worker I (Safford, AZ)
About The Position
The Agriculture Worker I plays an important role in supporting agricultural research and field operations at the Safford Agricultural Center. This hands-on position assists with crop production activities, equipment operation, irrigation, facility maintenance, and groundskeeping to help ensure successful research and farming operations. Ideal candidates enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and contributing to a team-oriented agricultural environment. The position offers the opportunity to gain experience in agricultural research while supporting the day-to-day operations of an active agricultural center. This position works primarily outdoors and may require schedule flexibility during peak irrigation, planting, and harvest periods. Located just outside of Safford in Graham County, this 63-acre agricultural center has been a performance testing site for the long staple cotton breeding program and other crop varietals for more than 70 years. The Safford Agricultural Center was acquired with state and Graham County Farm Bureau funds in 1946. Since its inception, the facility has provided research and service to farmers across Southeastern Arizona, including Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties. The center has made specific contributions in raising crops under the same saline conditions local growers face. The founders chose the site deliberately because of the unfavorable salinity and highly alkaline characteristics in its soil and water. The facility also provides the infrastructure for Cooperative Extension agricultural research and education throughout the Southeastern part of the state and has meteorological monitoring infrastructure that has reported weather information to local, state and national agencies for more than 70 years.
Requirements
- High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with irrigation systems, agricultural equipment, or crop production activities.
- Knowledge of basic agricultural practices, equipment, tools, and safety procedures.
- Skill in following written and verbal instructions and established work procedures.
- Ability to safely operate basic farm equipment, vehicles, and hand tools.
- Ability to perform manual labor outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
- Ability to maintain accurate basic records related to assigned work.
- Experience assisting with farming, landscaping, groundskeeping, maintenance, or other outdoor labor activities.
- Experience operating tractors, utility vehicles, or similar equipment.
- Experience performing routine maintenance, custodial, or groundskeeping tasks.
Responsibilities
- Perform Agricultural Production Activities: Assist with irrigation, planting, cultivation, harvesting, and related agricultural activities in support of research plots and field crops.
- Apply fertilizers and other treatments as directed and operate basic farm equipment and tools following established procedures.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and report equipment or crop issues to supervisors.
- Assist with Equipment Operation and Care: Operate and assist with the routine care of farm equipment, vehicles, and implements used in agricultural operations.
- Perform basic maintenance activities such as cleaning equipment, checking fluid levels, and preparing equipment for field use under supervision.
- Perform Groundskeeping and Facility Support: Assist with mowing, weed control, pruning, raking, painting, and general upkeep of agricultural center grounds and facilities.
- Perform routine custodial tasks to maintain safe and functional work environments.
- Transport and Handle Agricultural Materials: Load, unload, move, and transport agricultural supplies, equipment, harvested products, and materials as directed.
- Assist with field preparation and support activities for research and agricultural operations.
- Complete Basic Recordkeeping and Special Projects: Maintain simple records related to assigned tasks and activities.
- Assist with special projects and perform other related duties as assigned to support agricultural center operations.
Benefits
- health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- life insurance and disability programs
- paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
- retirement plans
- access to U of A recreation and cultural activities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
