Description

POSITION TITLE: Field Technician 

DEPARTMENT: CA- CRAFT Program/CRB

LOCATION: Riverside, CA

REPORTS TO: Program Project Manager

FLSA STATUS: Temporary, Hourly, Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $17.28 - $20.30 Hr. Pay Rate

The Cooperative Agricultural Support Services (CASS) is a Joint Powers Authority that assists in protecting and supporting California's agricultural industry and the consumers of its products by providing services and staff who fairly, impartially, and dependably carry out their work. 

Under the close direction of federal, state, Citrus Research Board, or CASS staff, the Field Technician will participate in carrying out Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) tapping, visual sampling, and monitoring activities in citrus groves in Southern California.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Field Technician with some prior experience working in citrus groves and performing these types of duties.

A. Essential Functions:

Reporting to a designated supervisor and adhering to established guidelines and protocols, the individual in this role operates in diverse field environments with minimal supervision. Duties encompass a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: 

1. Tapping/Visual Survey/Trap Servicing – 65%

· Safely operate and maintain a motor vehicle to commute to assigned work locations.

· Adhere to prescribed protocols for tapping and survey tasks.

· Conduct insect sweeps and visually examine nearby plant hosts for the presence of target pests.

· Inspect and classify insect samples collected from foliage or utilize various insect collection tools to detect target pests.

· Install and maintain insect traps as necessary.

· Navigate using maps during fieldwork and utilize GPS technology to accurately register sites.

2. Document Work Completed – 25%

· Maintain daily records of completed tasks, including the number of trees serviced, properties treated, traps serviced, acreage surveyed, and any other pertinent information.

· •Gather and input data into designated devices for record-keeping purposes.

3. Other – 10%

· Briefly answer questions about survey and pest detection work and/or refer the questioner to the appropriate individual for information.

· Interact with property owner(s) and the public in a courteous and professional manner.

MAIN FIELDWORK AREAS:

• Ventura County
• Riverside/Coachella Valley
• Imperial Valley

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· This position primarily entails outdoor work, subjecting the individual to a range of weather conditions and temperatures. The surroundings may feature changing lighting, from bright sunlight to dark shade, and varying noise levels. Terrain can vary from stable to unstable, and exposure to dust, pollen, moisture, and insects is common, given the rural work environment. The role may require frequent entry and exit from the work vehicle throughout the day. Physical requirements include the ability to lift 20 pounds regularly, with or without accommodation, and engage in repetitive arm and wrist movements. Additionally, flexibility in bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, and maintaining visual acuity is essential. 

Requirements

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

1. High School Diploma or GED required; some college desirable

2. MS Office Suite, especially Excel.

3. Should possess excellent skills or abilities in:

a. Following and adhering to detailed work instructions, protocols, policies, etc.

b. Verbal and written Communications.

c. Trouble shooting.

d. Attention to details.

e. Organizing. f. Prioritizing.