Agricultural Assistant I - UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida invites applications for an Agricultural Assistant I in the UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program on the Gainesville campus. The role focuses on daily germplasm maintenance in greenhouse, nursery, and field settings, with emphasis on teamwork and clear communication among the UFBBP team and graduate students.

Preferred candidates have two years of plant-related experience in a breeding program or related horticulture field.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with plants in a plant breeding program or a closely related horticultural field.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the breeding program cycle activities: transplanting controlled cross seedlings, seasonal pollinations, propagations, transplanting advancing selections, germinations, and field collection of parent plants.
• Maintain and monitor germplasm in greenhouse and field settings, ensuring proper labeling and data integrity.
• Perform routine greenhouse and field infrastructure maintenance, including cleaning, weed control, and environmental checks.
• Conduct inventory assessments and collect data to support breeding cycle activities.

Skills

Teamwork

Job description

Agricultural Assistant I - UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program

Job no: 541665
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Grant or Research Administration, Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture Operations
Department: 60230000 - AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES

Classification Title:

None.

Job Description:

This is an Agricultural Assistant I position based in Gainesville, FL, within the Blueberry Breeding Program of the Horticultural Sciences Department at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). The position will be responsible for executing the daily maintenance of the UFBBP germplasm in a greenhouse, Nursery, and Field setting.. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work in a team environment with good communication skills are a critical component of this role. The Agricultural Assistant I will report to the Program Manager, and will collaborate closely with UFBBP team leaders, as well as graduate students and other staff members, as needed.

Duties include:

• Assisting with the Breeding program cycle of activities (transplanting of controlled cross seedlings, seasonal pollinations, propagations, transplanting of advancing selections, germinations of controlled cross seeds, and field collection of parent plants for seasonal breeding).
  • Germplasm Maintenance in a Greenhouse and Field setting.
• Greenhouse and field infrastructure maintenance (routine cleaning & weeding of the greenhouse facility, checks and light maintenance of the greenhouse and environmental controls)
• Inventory and data set collection.
  • Inventory assessment with supplies needed for the greenhouse operations and data collection during the UFBBP breeding cycle activities.

Commensurate with skills and experience.

Required Qualifications:

None

Preferred:

Two years of experience working with plants in a plant breeding program or a closely related horticultural field.

This position is eligible for veteran’s preference.

See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

Health Assessment Required:

Health Assessment Required: Yes

Advertised: 15 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 29 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.