Agricultural Assistant I

**JOB NO**:
537056

**WORK TYPE**:
Staff Full-Time

**LOCATION**:
Marion

**CATEGORIES**:
Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agriculture Operations

**DEPARTMENT**:
60950000 - AG-PLANT SCIENCE RESEARCH - ED

**CLASSIFICATION TITLE**:
Agricultural Assistant I

**CLASSIFICATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS**:
Must have a valid Florida driver’s license.

**JOB DESCRIPTION**:
Primary responsibility is to assist with faculty field research projects and field maintenance at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit. This includes, but is not limited to, hand labor functions such as tying and staking tomatoes, planting vegetable transplants, sod installation, removing dead leaves in the greenhouse, weed eradication, mowing, and weed eating alleys in research plots, harvesting fruit and vegetables, mowing turf plots, planting ornamental flowers, plastic mulch removal and disposal, support of greenhouse research, and any miscellaneous labor type function associated with an agricultural farm.

Secondary responsibility is with irrigation installation and maintenance and research tests. This includes center pivots, micro jets, impact sprinklers, drip irrigation, etc. Also, to perform fertilization activities and maintain fertilization records. Assist with regular scouting (minimum of 2 times per week) of all research plots for existing and potential production problems and producing scouting reports for Farm Manager. Performs other duties related to research farming as required and assigned by Farm manager. Operation of state and farm vehicles in the performance of job duties.

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 Farm manager. Help 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.

Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Job requires standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, stooping, and walking.

**EXPECTED SALARY**:
$15.00 per hour

**REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS**:
Must have a valid Florida driver’s license.

**PREFERRED**:
High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Must be an effective communicator using both written and verbal methods.

Knowing when to harvest crops, also the grading and packing of crops once harvested.
Knowledge of hooking up and operating irrigation systems.
Assisting Field Techs and Grad Students with research tests.
Knowledge of farm implements used in research.
Knowledge and ability to obtain and maintain restricted public pesticide license with Ag Row endorsement.
Knowledge and ability to perform mathematical calculations.
Must be detail oriented and capable of establishing/maintaining positive working relationships with others.

**SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS**:
In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

**HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED**:

- Yes

**ADVERTISED**:
08 Sep 2025

Eastern Daylight Time
**APPLICATIONS CLOSE**:

- 15 Sep 2025

Eastern Daylight Time