Agricultural Assistant I

Primary responsibility is to assist with faculty field research projects and field maintenance at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit.  This includes, but is not limited to, hand labor functions such as tying and staking tomatoes, planting vegetable transplants, sod installation, removing dead leaves in the greenhouse, weed eradication, mowing, and weed eating alleys in research plots, harvesting fruit and vegetables, mowing turf plots, planting ornamental flowers, plastic mulch removal and disposal, support of greenhouse research, and any miscellaneous labor type function associated with an agricultural farm.  

Secondary responsibility is with irrigation installation and maintenance and research tests.  This includes center pivots, micro jets, impact sprinklers, drip irrigation, etc.  Also, to perform fertilization activities and maintaining fertilization records.  Assist with regular scouting (minimum of 2 times per week) of all research plots for existing and potential production problems and producing scouting reports for Farm Manager.  Performs other duties related to research farming as required and assigned by Farm manager.  Operation of state and farm vehicles in the performance of job duties.

Coordinate with other senior agricultural assistants, agricultural assistants, Farm Manager and research coordinators for assisting in field operations, including land preparation, test layouts, plastic mulch application, crop pest scouting, determination of pest thresholds, spraying for pest control, calibration and maintenance of pesticide applicators, ensuring unit compliance with all applicable pesticide laws, and maintaining records of pesticide use.  Assist land prep, planting, seeding, harvesting and grading of research plots, and plot/right of way maintenance. 

Assist with all other programs (Heavy Equipment; FEPP; Event Days; Safety and Training; etc.) managed by unit as needed.  Performs other duties related to research crop production as required and assigned by Farm manager. Helps in catastrophic events around the state with emergency response for IFAS. 
Must be able to lift 50 lbs.  Job requires, standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, stooping, and walking.

Responsible for maintaining equipment used in research operations, also general upkeep of grounds and buildings in work area.  Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Working conditions can be noisy, hot and dusty at times 90% of duties are performed in research field.  Some travel may be required. Must be able to lift 50 lbs.  Job requires, standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, stooping, and walking.

Monday - Friday - 8-hour days, 7am to 3:30pm totaling 40 hours a week. Periodic overtime when required to meet emergencies and flexible hours with potential overnight stays.  Employee may be called in for freeze protection or weekend/holiday greenhouse checks.

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Must be an effective communicator using both written and verbal methods.

Knowing when to harvest crops, also the grading and packing of crops once harvested. 
Knowledge of hooking up and operating irrigation systems.
Assisting Field Techs and Grad Students with research tests.
Knowledge of farm implements used in research.
Knowledge and ability to obtain and maintain restricted public pesticide license with Ag Row endorsement.
Knowledge of pesticides and fertilizers and applicators and ability to calibrate application equipment. 
Knowledge and ability to perform mathematical calculations. 
Must be detail oriented and capable of establishing/maintaining positive working relationships with others.