OPS Agricultural Assistant I

OPS Sponsored Projects Non-Clerical

Performs routine farm work related to agricultural research conducted mainly on vegetable and citrus crops including land preparation, planting, harvesting, irrigation, fertilization, mowing, spraying and other required maintenance of research plots and adjacent farm areas. Safely operates farm tractors and associated machinery and special implements. Correctly hitches, sets, and operates mechanical, electric, and hydraulically-powered tools and attachments. Efficiently uses a variety of hand tools. Performs routine safety and operational checks of equipment and reports all unsafe conditions or faulty equipment observed in the course of duties.

Assists the Farm Supervisor in maintaining the integrity and operation of all farm systems and infrastructure. Duties include tasks encompassing the maintenance, monitoring, and repair of roads, ditches, water control structures, pumps, motors, irrigation systems, drainage reservoirs, and all related buildings, equipment, accessories, and supplies.

Responsible for mixing, loading, and applying agrichemicals for applications related to active research, projects, and farm maintenance. Assists in calibrating and adjusting fertilizer applications, seeding, and spraying apparatus.

Performs miscellaneous and special duties as requested by the Farm Supervisor and administrators. Examples include training OPS or other employees when requested, addressing proper safety procedures and farming practices, participating in required job and skill training, supervising work crews and contractors used in the course of activities assisting with general maintenance as needed, maintaining required certifications and licenses, etc.

Some duties require the operation of a motor vehicle to visit work sites and deliver or obtain supplies and equipment. Limited special duties, e.g. weekend irrigation and drainage checks on experiments, off-site experiment work, or storm water management emergencies may require work outside normal scheduled hours.

$17.00 per hour, will commensurate with experience.

None

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience in operating tractors and other farm equipment with particular preference to vegetable and citrus operations in Florida.

General skill and understanding in horticultural handling of seeds, plants, fertilizers, etc. Specific skills and understanding in horticultural handling of seeds, plants, fertilizer, etc. Specific skills in working with pesticides including pesticide applicator licensure.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Ability to perform minor repairs to farm machinery and equipment.

This is an OPS Time-Limited position.

Applications must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.