Senior Agricultural Technician - Five Points, CA, Job ID 74463

Senior Agricultural Technician

This position performs all phases of cultural practices including operation of complex farm equipment, layout/installation, operation maintenance and repair of irrigation systems, pesticide/chemical applications, lead person for seasonal farm labor, and will assist with the maintenance of physical plant and equipment.

This is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

The salary range is $23.56/hour to $27.58/hour.

Key Responsibilities:

70%

Irrigation Systems Maintenance, Water Application and Crop Care/Maintenance

• Perform layout, installation, operation, maintenance and repair of various irrigation systems, control valves and setup including 4" aluminum pipes, main water valves, inline drip irrigation, sprinkler, micro sprinklers and surface irrigation systems.
• Perform timely deep well, reservoir connections, irrigation pumps, filtration systems and fertilization systems inspections, operation, troubleshooting and coordinate with Center's Sr Farm Mechanic for on-time repair and maintenance.
• Perform timely water application rates to various research, rotation crops and crop income crops based on the crop water requirements in coordination with the center's Superintendent and center's Director.
• Perform land preparation and cultural operations for row, tree, landscape and ornamental crops, including but not limited to plowing, discing, subsoiling, leveling, bedding, fertilizing, planting, and harvesting.
• Determine proper soil and/or crop conditions to work the field or perform cultural activities.
• Select, setup and operate appropriate equipment and implements to achieve research project and Center goals.
• Provide plant care and maintenance including weeding, pruning, hedging, thinning of leaves and limbs, removal of trees and shrubs and harvesting of fruit.
• Perform chemical applications including pesticides and fertilizers.
• Instruct and lead seasonal farm labor in the performance of the above-mentioned activities.
• Maintain assigned records and logs for crop care activities.

10%

Samples and Events

• Assist with and/or perform collection of fruit, soil and plant samples for yield or other data as required by project researcher, center Superintendent or Director.
• Assist with preparation of field days, conduct tours and help with other outreach activities.

10%

Equipment and Facilities Operations

• Assist with farm equipment repair and maintenance.
• Assist with the upkeep and maintenance of Center roads, drainage ditches, and fences.
• Assist with building repair and maintenance including minor carpentry, masonry, painting and cleaning activities.
• Select and operate hand, and power equipment as required, including but not limited to, backhoe and bulldozer.

10%

Vertebrate Pest Control

• Perform prescribed vertebrate pest control activities according to Center policy and established practices including monitoring activity, maintenance of logs and records, trapping, baiting, and exclusion.

Requirements:

• Three years of agricultural experience with a demonstrated ability to operate heavy and/or complex agricultural equipment or a demonstrated ability to perform at a skilled level within an area of specialization.
• Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations.
• Obtain Qualified Applicator's Certificate within one year of hire.
• Skills to perform land preparation, cultivation and maintenance tasks including complex operations with tractors and equipment.
• Skills to independently select, setup and operate appropriate equipment for assigned tasks.
• Skills to calibrate, set up and operate equipment for accurate chemical applications.
• Knowledge of plant culture.
• Knowledge of cultural practices for research in rows, trees and ornamental crops.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions to complete tasks and meet project specifications.
• Ability to follow all safety procedures to maintain a safe work environment.
• Ability to follow pesticide label instructions.
• Ability to safely handle chemicals and hazardous materials.

Preferred Skills:

• Skills to operate farm, hand and power equipment safely and properly.
• Skills to identify vertebrate pests, habitat and damage, and perform appropriate control measures.
• Skills to perform building and equipment repair and service.
• Skills to maintain roads, small buildings, fences, and drainage ditches.
• Understanding of research activities.
• Ability to read and interpret plot maps to assist researchers with work on their plots.
• Ability to instruct contract labor lead in the safe and proper performance of cultural activities and sample collection.
• Skills using computer systems including Work, Excel, Access, Outlook, and other computer programs.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• DMV Pull Program: Must enroll in the DMV Pull-Notice Program
• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.

Salary : $24 - $28