OPS Field Technician, UF/IFAS Tree Fruit Breeding Program
About The Position
The Horticultural Science Department, UF/IFAS Tree Fruit Breeding Program, Gainesville is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented full-time Field Technician to support ongoing research activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating field trials operations and research support primarily focused on avocado, as well as other fruit tree species. Monthly travel to trial locations with overnight stays in Central and South Florida will be required. Successful candidates will maintain regular communication with avocado growers, researchers, and program personnel. The role involves both field and laboratory tasks in support of fruit tree breeding, production, and disease management research.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Available to work full time 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with the occasional earlier start (5:00–6:00 am).
- Physical ability to work in various weather conditions and perform manual labor as needed.
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds regularly.
- Physical movement to include kneeling, squatting, bending, lifting and standing.
Nice To Haves
- Current pesticide application license.
- Experience with tree health, growth, yield data collection tools and software.
- Previous experience with field work, research and/or agricultural production.
- Strong communication skills for interaction with research collaborators, local growers, and industry partners.
Responsibilities
- Conduct fieldwork involving propagation, planting, fertilization, pruning, irrigation, general maintenance, harvesting and evaluation of avocado, peach, citrus, and other fruit tree species.
- Perform data collection at experimental sites and execute related analyses in the greenhouse and laboratory.
- Monitor plant health and integrated management of pests and diseases.
- Maintain accurate records of maps, inventories, materials, treatments, collected data and activities associated with research trials.
- Collect and prepare plant, soil, and fruit samples for laboratory processing.
- Communicate directly and consistently with avocado growers regarding trial activities, sampling, and research updates.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
