Agricultural Assistant II

Apply now Job no: 539128 Work type: Staff Full-Time Location: St. Johns Categories: Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agriculture Operations Department: 60860000 - AG-HASTINGS DEMONSTRATION UNIT General Agricultural Assistant Duties Partner directly with Farm Manager and Farm Supervisors to complete specific Research and Extension programmatic duties. Perform in-field procedures using a variety of equipment for field, greenhouse, or lab experiments. Maintain records on crops, plants, or experiments. Coordinate maintenance and operation of farm equipment. Serve as co‑lead for farm construction and maintenance projects. Document crop and weather conditions and recommend timing for planting, cultivation, and harvesting. May train other workers in farm tasks. Install, maintain, and repair all irrigation and sprinkler systems. Maintain roads, grounds, supplies, and move equipment. Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, and hedge or brush. Serve as essential personnel during emergencies, including storm preparation and post‑storm restoration. Row Crop Spray Technician Duties Oversee daily integrated pest management across HAEC subunit facilities. Perform chemical and fertilizer applications for weeds, insects, and disease; prepare and apply proper herbicides, insecticides, or fungicide mixtures. Apply dry, granular, and liquid fertilizers to turf, ornamentals, horticultural, and agronomic crops. Monitor the health of assigned areas, plants, insect populations, and diseases. Maintain proper documentation as required by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and University policy and procedures. Ensure all chemical storage, transportation, and disposal comply with regulations and product requirements. Remove weeds mechanically and manually where needed. Prepare disease plant samples for laboratory submission and analysis. Interact with Assistant Director, Farm Manager, and Farm Supervisors to manage buildings, grounds, office space, greenhouses, irrigation wells, pumps, etc. Co‑supervise all unit equipment resources, especially spray applicator equipment. Develop strategies for integrated pest management decisions in collaboration with Farm Manager, Director, Assistant Director and Farm Supervisor. Educational Event Support Work directly with Assistant Director, Farm Manager and Farm Supervisors to structure and promote educational Extension events (e.g., Field Days). Assist with providing support to and working with other unit, county, or state personnel to facilitate extension educational programs across all HAEC sub‑unit facilities. Schedule 7:00 am – 3:30 pm Monday – Friday (40 hours/week) 6:30 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Thursday (40 hours/week); 4‑10 schedule may be necessary Occasional different schedule to accommodate field experiments. May need to be available for extension activities after normal working hours. Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated strength in organization and efficiency meeting deadlines. In‑depth experience supporting research farming operations. Moderate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with digital facility management tools (a plus). Experience with pesticide applications. Additional Information Commensurate with education and experience. Health Assessment Required: Yes. This position involves climbing, frequent reaching above shoulder, heavy lifting, kneeling, pesticide use, repeated bending, and repetitive pulling and pushing. Veteran’s preference: This position is eligible for Veteran’s preference. If claiming Veteran’s preference, upload DD 214 Member Copy 4. The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr University Of Florida