Agricultural Technician Principal (AGRICULTURAL TCHN PRN)

Job ID: 89171 Location: Davis Full/Part Time: Full Time Under general supervision of the Agricultural Supervisor, the incumbent will perform the duties of a highly skilled Ag. Specialist. The Principal Ag Tech will be responsible for the day-to-day functions of the FPS fields(250+ acres) to ensure work assignments and priorities are completed in an effective manner while meeting deadlines. Will act in a lead position over a crew of Senior Ag. Technicians, Ag. Techs, and Farm Laborers within all the agricultural fields of Foundation Plant Services. Will have sole responsibility for the performance of all Agricultural operations on a year-round basis. Understand and handle complex multi-operational farm equipment including orchard and vineyard sprayers, tractors with many different implements, power driven tillage complements, bulldozers, and earth moving equipment. Act as pest or weed control specialist with responsibility for supervising pest or weed control operations including locating and identifying pests or weeds, as well as conduct, perform, and oversee the very complex chemical spray program of our fields to protect the integrity of field plants. Responsible for overseeing and leading all FPS field crew in the accurate collection of all FPS field crops, labeling and inventory of plant material for disease testing and sales, propagation duties for several different crops, packaging, and shipment of plant materials. Other related duties as required. Apply By Date October 13th 2026 by 11:59PM Qualifications Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program No minimum education required Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in commercial agriculture or research field operations. This must include demonstrated proficiency in operating, fine-tuning, and adjusting a diverse range of farm machinery (e.g., tractors, discs, landplanes, bed shapers) and managing perennial crops through planting, pruning, and harvesting. In-depth knowledge of agricultural pest monitoring and a proven ability to calibrate application equipment, calculate rates, and apply pesticides safely in compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Advanced skill in the independent maintenance, diagnostic troubleshooting, and repair of farm vehicles, implements, small engines, and irrigation systems (including injectors and filters). Ability to perform minor welding and fabricate specialized parts or apparatuses tailored for research projects. Strong technical knowledge of plant growth and development, soil fertility, and irrigation management. This includes hands-on horticultural skills in nursery propagation, indexing, and executing cultural practices (such as mulching, weeding, and fruit harvesting) vital to maintaining healthy perennial crops and research blocks. Preferred Qualifications Qualified Applicators Certificate Skill in designing and installing drip- and sprinkler-irrigation systems. Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and provide clear directions for tasks. Proficient written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to keep meticulous records, track nursery inventory, and log quantitative/qualitative data. Must be skilled in using computer databases to accurately document plant sources, transplanting lists, and daily field/maintenance activities. Key Responsibilities 55% - Field Operations 20% - Pest Management 15% - Equipment Maintenance 10% - Growing Facilities Operations Department Overview Foundation Plant Services (FPS) is a self-supporting service unit whose primary function is to produce, maintain, and distribute virus-tested plant materials of deciduous fruit and nut tress, grapevines, strawberries, and roses for research and public commercial use. FPS also operates the National Grapevine Importation Program through which grape germplasm is imported, tested for disease, and made available for public distribution.

POSITION INFORMATION

Salary or Pay Range: $28.69/hr. - $40.15/hr. Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly Salary Grade: STEPS UC Job Title: AGRICULTURAL TCHN PRN UC Job Code: 008540 Number of Positions: 1 Appointment Type: Staff: Career Percentage of Time: 100% Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am-5pm Location: Davis Union Representation: SX-Service Workers Benefits Eligible: Yes This position is 100% on-site Benefits Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees. High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees Physical Demands Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours Bending/Stooping - Never 0 Hours Squatting/Kneeling - Never 0 Hours Twisting - Never 0 Hours Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours Reaching overhead - Never 0 Hours Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Environmental Demands Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours Mental Demands Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours Work Environment UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. Work flexible schedule to meet operational needs. Work overtime and on weekends year round. CA Driver's License to drive to work site. Work in enclosed areas treated with pesticides after re-entry periods are reached. Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer. A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together. To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere To learn more about our background check program, please visit: #J-18808-Ljbffr University of California - Davis