Position is available to employees of the Associated C.O.L.T. Staff of the University of Maine from 03/27/2023 through 03/31/2023 and open to external applicants thereafter.
The Farm Operations Technician CL1 will conduct field and greenhouse research work of the Plant Pathology program at the University of Maine, Orono, which will be located at the Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle, ME. Full-time, regular position, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. This position pays $16.84/hour.

• Conduct and support potato pathology research primarily in the field, with small portion of involvement in laboratory and greenhouse work.
• Operate large agricultural equipment and vehicles, conduct field experiments, including field preparation, planting, chemical applications, harvesting and tuber evaluation.
• Frequently applying pesticides during the growth season, field maintenance and operation,
• Plant and disease observation and data collection, as well as data entry and report writing are required.

About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu .
The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.
Qualifications:
Required:

• A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D).
• Valid Maine driver's license.
• Knowledge of proper use of assigned tools.
• Knowledge of farm operations and procedures for operating, inspecting, maintaining, and storing assigned equipment.
• Must get State of Maine Commercial Applicators license within 180 days of hire.
• Knowledge of safety principals related to operation of assigned motorized equipment.
• Ability to operate assigned tools and motorized equipment safely and effectively.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods of time, often under unfavorable conditions.
• Skill in routinely checking equipment, identifying equipment malfunctions and performing routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records and reports.
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to (give and) receive work direction.

Preferred:

• Experience of driving large agricultural equipment and conducting field operations.

Physical Requirements:

• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.
• Expected to lift up to 80 lbs and collect research samples in appropriate field conditions under sometimes adverse weather conditions.
• Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, fire, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, and intense noises and travel.

Other Information:
Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:
1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae
3.) contact information for three professional references
You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
Review of applications will be ongoing until filled.
For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Jianjun Hao at jianjun.hao1@maine.edu or 207-581-2564.
The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical.
In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5748 Boudreau Hall, Room 101, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207-581-1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
Length:

Fiscal Year (12 Months)
Required Documents:

Cover Letter, References, Resume/CV