Agricultural Technician

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement The Agricultural Experiment Station under the Department of Agriculture at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore invites applications for full-time, nonexempt, positions with benefits.

Salary Range: $44,000 - $58,000

Benefits

• Health insurance, including multiple medical plan options for employees and dependents offered through the State of Maryland Employee Benefits Division.
• Prescription drug, dental, and flexible spending accounts, and vision coverage.
• Retirement plans: mandatory enrollment in a state pension system or an Optional Retirement Plan with Fidelity or TIAA, Supplemental Retirement Accounts (TIAA, Fidelity, or MSRP-Nationwide) with $600 annual state match, Life Insurance (state sponsored MetLife, USM sponsored MetLife Plan, life insurance and long-term disability insurance).
• Tuition remission benefits for eligible employees and, subject to USM policies, spouses and dependents at University System of Maryland institutions.
• Non-exempt positions start at 11 days annual per year, sick leave 15 days per year, personal leave 3 days per year).
• Overtime, shift-differential and on- call pay and paid holidays.
• Employee wellness and support resources and access to the State of Maryland wellness programs.

Responsibilities

• Providing assistance to the daily operation of the UMES farms.
• Assisting researchers with field research being conducted in plant and soil science at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Agricultural Experiment Station.
• Assisting with all farm operations including field preparation, planting, cultivating, spraying, harvesting, and supporting multiple research projects.
• Repairing equipment as needed so that farm operations and research continues successfully.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Candidate Preferences

• A.S. or A.A. degree State of Maryland Pesticide Public Agency Applicator Certificate, Nutrient Management Applicator Voucher, or ability to obtain both within six (6) months.
• Ability to collect and process samples.
• Ability use and troubleshoot farm equipment.
• Must be willing to acquire skills through training.
• Must have a strong commitment to research and be a self-starter.
• Ability to lift and transport agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment.
• Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse workplace.
• Must have the capacity to balance multiple projects at a time.

Physical Demands

• May be required to perform physical work requiring bending, stooping, reaching, carrying, and frequent heavy lifting up to 50 lbs.
• May be required to work in adverse weather conditions.
• May be required to wear and work in personal protective equipment.
• May be required to operate a variety of equipment to include office equipment.

Licenses & Certifications

• Must have a Commercial CDL Class B Driver’s License.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED AND Three years in agricultural work, one year of which was in agricultural research.

Job Details

Department: UMES-AGNS-AGRICULTURE/OPERATION. Worker Sub-Type: Staff Regular Salary Range $44,000 - $58,000.

Open Until Filled: Yes.

EEO Statement

UMES is an EEO/AA employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate must be able to show acceptable documentation establishing the right to accept employment in the United States of America without employer sponsorship.

Diversity Statement

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is an equal access, equal opportunity institution fully committed to diversity in education and employment. All students, employees, and the campus community at UMES are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to receive an equitable experience in an inclusive, welcoming environment of openness and appreciation.

Title IX Statement

It is the policy of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) based on sex in the University’s educational programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discriminations or harassment.

About UMES

Welcome to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Employment Website! The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff to support the student‑centered mission of our university. Founded in 1886, the University is a Historically Black, Land Grant University with over 30 degree programs housed on a campus of over 50 buildings on over 1,100 acres. With an atmosphere of collegiality and a commitment to go from Excellence to Eminence, UMES is not only a great place to work, but it is a place to express your passion for educating students, develop your personal career goals, and to make a difference in the community, the state, and the world beyond. Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the university is a beautiful place to work and call home.

Thank you for your interest in employment with our University.