Farms Operations Assistant (Part-Time)

Farms Operations Assistant (Part-Time) Posting Number req26945 Department Pima County Office Department Website Link https://Tucsonvillagefarm.arizona.edu/ Location County Extensions and Farms Address 2201 E Roger Road, Tucson, AZ 85719 USA Position Highlights

This Farm Operations Assistant position will be part of a dynamic team which works to develop and deliver agricultural education, STEM learning, and community outreach programs at Tucson Village Farm through the University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension. Under direct supervision and with detailed instruction provided, the successful candidate will support the day-to-day operations of the farm, including assisting in production areas, irrigation, and maintenance of educational growing spaces. Working with instructions provided and under the direct guidance of the County Agent and Farm Manager, this position will help to invite volunteers to work on the farm, assist in monitoring volunteer work, support educational programming, and help to ensure the farm remains a safe, productive, and engaging learning environment.

The assistant will participate in promoting sustainable agricultural practices while supporting the farm''s mission of connecting youth and the community with food, agriculture, and the environment.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include 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; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform daily operations of the farm, including planting, harvesting, irrigation, composting, pest management, executing soil health practices.
• Assist with implementing sustainable farming practices aligned with organic and regenerative agriculture principles under established procedures and supervisor guidance.
• With detailed instruction, assist in coordinating the use and maintenance of farm tools and equipment, meeting all safety standards.
• Support the education team in youth development, nutrition, and farm-based learning programs.
• Assist team in planning and delivering hands-on programming for K-12 students, interns, volunteers, and community groups.
• Assist team in integrating farm tasks and seasonal cycles into educational curricula and experiential learning models.
• Assist with volunteer outreach and support the orientation and monitoring of volunteers working on the farm.
• Support fostering a positive, comprehensive, and educational farm environment for all participants.
• With detailed instruction from supervisor, assist in maintaining communication, schedules, and documentation for work crews.
• Participate in environmental sustainability and conservation through farm practices and educational messaging.
• Assist and support in contributing to new initiatives and special projects that advance the farm's mission and impact.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Familiarity with urban agriculture and youth development.
• Basic knowledge of agricultural production practices, including soil health, irrigation, integrated pest management, and crop care.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Prior work experience not required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assisting with agricultural, gardening, landscaping, or farm operations activities.
• Familiarity with sustainable agriculture, community gardening, urban farming, or food systems.
• Experience working with youth, volunteers, community groups, or educational programs.

FLSA Non-Exempt Full Time/Part Time Part Time Number of Hours Worked per Week 20 Job FTE .50 Work Calendar Fiscal Job Category Agriculture and Extension Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay $16.50 - $18.75 Compensation Type hourly rate Grade 2 Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator. Career Stream and Level OC1 Job Family Extension Job Function Agriculture & Extension Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to job duties) Number of Vacancies 1 Target Hire Date 9/28/2026 Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Elizabeth Sparks, Associate Agent, 4-H Youth Development

esparks@ag.arizona.edu Open Date 8/31/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.