Agricultural Assistant I - UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Florida is seeking an Agricultural Assistant I for the UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program on the Gainesville campus. The role will support daily maintenance of germplasm in greenhouse, nursery, and field settings and collaborate with program staff and graduate students.

Responsibilities include assisting with breeding cycle activities, germplasm maintenance, and routine infrastructure upkeep. Preference given to candidates with a HS diploma and 2+ years of horticultural experience;

Qualifications

• No formal degree required.
• Preferred: High School diploma.
• Two years of experience in plant breeding or related horticulture.
• Health assessment required.

Responsibilities

• Assist breeding cycle activities including transplanting seedlings, seasonal pollinations, propagations, advancing selections, seed germination, and field collection of parent plants.
• Germplasm maintenance in greenhouse and field.
• Maintain greenhouse and field infrastructure with routine cleaning, weeding, and environmental controls checks.
• Inventory and data collection for breeding cycle activities.

Education

High School diploma

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

Job description

Agricultural Assistant I - UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program

Job No: 541665

Work Type: 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

Job Description

Classification Title:

Agricultural Assistant I

Classification Minimum Requirements:

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.

Expected Salary

Commensurate with skills and experience.

Required Qualifications

None

Preferred Qualifications

High School diploma

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

Health Assessment Required:Yes

Applications Close: 29 October 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.