Agricultural Technician

This is a responsible administrative position requiring knowledge in all aspects of agricultural operations, including Row Crop, Poultry, Swine and Cattle operations.

Duties: 
A. Abide by the "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
B. Thoroughly know, understand and comply with Agency procedures, rules and regulations, Florida State Statutes, the Florida Model Jail Standards and accreditation standards relating to this position.
C. Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment as necessary.
D. Supervise and ensure control of Inmate Workers assigned to assist with duties.
E. Ensure maximum efficiency and product output is achieved through sound farm management practices.
F. Review all newly adopted policies, procedures, rules and regulations affecting the farm’s operations and ensure comprehension and compliance among all farm staff.
G. Conduct daily inspections of the farm and report those deficiencies that cannot be immediately corrected.
H. Provide technical assistance to farm staff and inmates.
I. Assist in identifying unit training needs and developing job-related training.
J. Coordinate and assist with farm tours, meetings and community programs when needed.
K. Be alert for conditions or situations that inhibit efficient operation of the Agency, Detention Bureau or the Inmate Work Farm and make recommendations for solutions.
L. Abide by all E.P.A. and State regulations governing the storage, application, notification, disposal, etc. of all applicable chemicals related to agricultural row cropping.
M. Effectively manage the Inmate Work Farm’s row crop operation to include all soil samples, field preparation, chemical application, planting, harvesting and any other row cropping related activity.
N. Ability to safely operate a commercial transport vehicle and transport farm produce and inmates as needed.
O. Upon request, teach basic row crop, poultry, swine, and cattle classes to all applicable inmates and provide a curriculum, administer test to ensure comprehension and provide certificates of completion to inmates upon successful completion of aforementioned classes.   Also, maintain accurate record keeping of class for auditing purposes.
P. Possess normal sight and hearing, and physical agility required for standing, walking, bending and climbing stairs.
Q. Perform other related duties, as assigned, including modified schedule or temporary re-assignment during declared emergency or activations, as determined by the Sheriff.

JOB PREREQUISITES: 
High school diploma or GED. 
Have an extensive background in all aspects of agricultural row cropping. 
Be capable of presenting accurate information to groups and organizations outlining the Farm Operation while maintaining the highest degree of professionalism. 
Ability to follow instructions and organize own work. 
Ability to work with minimum supervision. 
Ability to handle highly sensitive information without compromising confidentiality. 
Ability to understand and follow English language instructions, both verbal and written. 
Ability to work harmoniously with the public and Agency personnel. 
Possess normal sight and hearing, and physical agility required for standing, walking, and climbing stairs. 
Possess a valid Florida Driver’s License.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 
Keep apprised of new developments in all areas of agriculture including crops, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, land management, environmental concerns, sanitation and new farming techniques. 
Achieve and/or maintain job related certifications as required by local, state and federal laws. 
Maintain a valid Florida Commercial Driver’s License or obtain such within 90 days of employment. 
Must have a valid restricted use spray license from the Florida Department of Agriculture or obtain such within 6 months of employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Primarily an outdoor environment supervising county inmates.  Hours may be irregular and occasionally long. May require working overtime, including after-hours and weekends. Subject to being called out in emergencies.  Hazards include all potential dangers of working in a farm environment.

ADA: 
Physical and dexterity requirements: The job requires performance of extremely physically demanding work typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, running, scaling and climbing. May involve lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling. Must be able to exert up to 150 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to constantly lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Tasks may also involve standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time.

Environmental hazards: The job requires inside and outside work; ability to tolerate inclement weather including heat, humidity, cold, fog and sleet. Possible exposure to hazardous materials and conditions, toxic conditions, fumes, odors, vibration, dust, confined areas, animal/human waste and/or bodily fluids.

Sensory requirements: The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception and texture perception. 

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Sheriff’s Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

Salary : $52,323