Agricultural Assistant III

Apply now (https://secure.dc4.pageuppeople.com/apply/674/gateway/default.aspx?c=apply&lJobID=531515&lJobSourceTypeID=796&sLanguage=en-us) Job no: 531515

Work type: Staff Full-Time

Location: Marion

Categories: Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agriculture Operations

Department: 60950000 - AG-PLANT SCIENCE RESEARCH / ED

Classification Title:

Agricultural Assistant III

Job Description:

Primary responsibility is to oversee and assist with faculty field research projects at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit concerning turfgrass, ornamental and greenhouse research.

*Must have specific knowledge concerning the management and cultural practices concerning turf grass and ornamentals. This includes, but is not limited to, land preparation, test plot layouts, plastic mulch application, crop pest scouting, determination of pest thresholds, applying pesticides and fertilizer, calibration and maintenance of pesticide and fertilizer applicators, ensuring unit compliance with all applicable pesticide and fertilizer laws, and maintaining records of pesticide use and fertilizer applications. Must possess State of Florida pesticide license.

*Train staff to properly operate various equipment and machinery required for planting and installation, maintenance and harvesting of research trials including, but not limited to various types of

mowers, tractors, utility vehicles, planters, and heavy equipment.

*Performs installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs for various types of irrigation used in research tests including center pivots, microjets, drip irrigation, turf rotors, impact

sprinklers, etc.

*Responsible for maintaining and programming settings on Toro LYNX computerized irrigation control system.

*Makes recommendations to research coordinator and director regarding coordination of current techniques,

procedures, materials, and investigating new techniques, procedures, and materials to improve overall pest management at the Unit.

Secondary responsibility is for maintaining equipment used in research operations.

*Scheduling of preventative maintenance, reel and bedknife grinding, blade grinding, back lapping and general repairs.

*With Research Coordinator, directs and assists with general upkeep of conference center grounds and buildings. Incumbent will be responsible for ordering repair and maintenance parts for various

types of equipment related to turf maintenance and irrigation from numerous vendors.

*Responsible for maintaining a computer inventory for service periods, service history and overall equipment condition.

*Assesses all equipment at least monthly and makes recommendations to Research Coordinator on serviceability and replacement needs.

*Maintains tool inventory, constantly assesses maintenance needs and recommends acquisition of any needed tools or equipment to insure serviceability and safety of all unit vehicles.

Responsible for assisting research coordinator or faculty with data collection and recording harvest information on turf, ornamental, and greenhouse research projects.

*The incumbent is also responsible for making recommendations to research coordinators on improved production needs and methods.

*Performs other duties related to research farming as required and assigned by Research Coordinator.

Coordinate with other senior agricultural assistants, agricultural assistants, and research coordinators for assisting in field operations, including land preparation, fertilization, planting, irrigation,

cultivation, harvesting and grading of research plots.

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 research coordinators. Operation of state and farm vehicles in the performance of job duties.

*Helps in catastrophic events around the state with emergency response for IFAS.

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

Experience in operation of computerized central/satellite irrigation system, or Completion of Toro Lynx/Osmac Irrigation Control System training.

Skilled knowledge of the management and cultural practices concerning turf grass, ornamentals, and greenhouse operations.

Skilled knowledge of proper operation and preventative maintenance of specialized turf equipment including the ability to grind and adjust reels and bedknives.

Knowledge and ability to obtain and maintain a State of Florida Public Pesticide License with Ornamental and Turf, Agriculture Row Crop, and Soil and Greenhouse Fumigation endorsements.

Knowledge of pesticide and fertilizer handling, mixing, and application equipment and the ability to calibrate application equipment.

Knowledge and ability to read data and maintain records.

Knowledge and ability to perform arithmetical calculations.

Assisting Field Techs and Grad Students with research tests.

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

Ability to pay attention to details.

Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others.

Ability be an effective communicator using both written and verbal methods.

Expected Salary:

21.69/hour

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent and three years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in operation of computerized central/satellite irrigation system, or Completion of Toro Lynx/Osmac Irrigation Control System training.

Skilled knowledge of the management and cultural practices concerning turf grass, ornamentals, and greenhouse operations.

Skilled knowledge of proper operation and preventative maintenance of specialized turf equipment including the ability to grind and adjust reels and bedknives.

Knowledge and ability to obtain and maintain a State of Florida Public Pesticide License with Ornamental and Turf, Agriculture Row Crop, and Soil and Greenhouse Fumigation endorsements.

Knowledge of pesticide and fertilizer handling, mixing, and application equipment and the ability to calibrate application equipment.

Knowledge and ability to read data and maintain records.

Knowledge and ability to perform arithmetical calculations.

Assisting Field Techs and Grad Students with research tests.

Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.

Ability to pay attention to details.

Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others.

Ability be an effective communicator using both written and verbal methods.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

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

Must have a Valid Florida driver’s license, Florida Forklift certification. State of Florida Public Pesticide License with Ornamental and Turf, Agriculture Row Crop, and Soil and Greenhouse Fumigation endorsements. All licenses must be obtained within 6 months of hire.

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

This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. If you are claiming veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See ourVeteran's Preference Page (https://jobs.ufl.edu/applicant-resources/veterans/) for more specific information.

Health Assessment Required:Yes

Advertised: 13 May 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 27 May 2024 Eastern Daylight Time