| Job Description: |
Primary responsibility is to oversee and assist with faculty field research projects at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit. This includes, but is not limited to, land preparation, test layouts, potential fumigation, plastic mulch application, crop pest scouting, determination of pest thresholds, spraying for pest control, calibration and maintenance of pesticide applicators, ensuring unit compliance with all applicable pesticide laws, and maintaining records of pesticide use. Ability to plant and harvest research trails by operating various types of planters, seeders, combines, and other harvesting equipment. Ability to operate equipment using the latest guidance systems available. (i.e., John Deere Green Star, Raven, Trimble systems). Also responsible for coordination with other agricultural assistants, senior agricultural assistants, biological scientist, research coordinators, research administration manager, IFAS faculty and extension specialists in process of reviewing current techniques, procedures, materials, and investigating new techniques, procedures, and materials to improve overall pest management at the Unit.
Secondary responsibility is for performing irrigation installation and maintenance on research tests. This includes center pivots, microjets, drip irrigation, impact sprinklers, etc. Also, to perform fertilization activities and maintaining fertilization records, soil testing and maintaining soil test records, and conveying that information to the research administration manager. Also, incumbent is responsible for crop production and maintenance throughout the growing season. This requires knowledge of crop production practices and ability to recommend appropriate production practices to solve production problems. This also requires regular scouting (minimum of 2 times per week) of all research plots for existing and potential production problems and producing scouting reports for research administration manager. The incumbent is also responsible for making recommendations to research administration manager on improved production needs and methods. Performs other duties related to research farming as required and assigned by Research administration manager. Operation of state and farm vehicles in the performance of job duties.
Coordinate with other senior agricultural assistants, agricultural assistants, and research administration managers for assisting in field operations, including land preparation, fertilization, planting, irrigation, cultivation, harvesting and grading of research plots.
Assist with all other programs (Heavy Equipment; FEPP; Event Days; Safety and Training; etc.) managed by unit as needed. Performs other duties related to research crop production as required and assigned by research administration manager. Helps in catastrophic events around the state with emergency response for IFAS.
Responsible for maintaining equipment used in research operations; also general upkeep of grounds and buildings in work area. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Working conditions can be noisy, hot and dusty at times 90% of duties are performed in research field. Some travel may be required. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Job requires, standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, stooping and walking.
Four 10-hour days, 7am to 5:30pm totaling 40 hours a week.
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