Agricultural Assistant II

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

Job summary

A public research institution in Florida seeks an Agricultural Assistant II to perform in-field tasks, maintain records, and coordinate farm equipment. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and two years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include monitoring crop health and ensuring compliance with agricultural regulations. This full-time position offers a collaborative environment with opportunities for extension educational programs. Salary is commensurate with education and experience, and the role requires occasional flexible hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience with pesticide applications preferred.
• Moderate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with digital facility management tools a plus.
• Experience with pesticide applications.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-field procedures for experiments and maintain records.
• Coordinate maintenance and operation of farm equipment.
• Monitor health of assigned areas and maintain documentation.
• Serve as co-lead for farm construction and maintenance projects.
• Document crop and weather conditions and recommend timing for planting, cultivation, and harvesting.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Efficiency

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Pesticide application

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Agricultural Assistant II

Job No: 539128

Work Type: Full Time

Location: St. Johns

Categories: Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agriculture Operations

Department: 60860000 - AG-HASTINGS DEMONSTRATION UNIT

Classification Title

Agricultural Assistant II

Classification Minimum Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Job Description

General Agricultural Assistant Duties

• Perform in-field procedures using a variety of equipment for field, greenhouse, or lab experiments. Driving will be required for this role.
• Maintain records on crops, plants, or experiments.
• Coordinate maintenance and operation of farm equipment.
• Serve as co-lead for farm construction and maintenance projects.
• Document crop and weather conditions and recommend timing for planting, cultivation, and harvesting.
• May train other workers in farm tasks.
• Install, maintain, and repair all irrigation and sprinkler systems.
• Maintain roads, grounds, supplies, and move equipment.
• Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush.
• Serve as essential personnel during emergencies. Expected to be available to prepare for a storm, provide facility protection during the storm, and take the first steps towards restoring normal operations.

Row Crop Spray Technician Duties

• Perform chemical and fertilizer applications on assigned areas for weeds, insects, and disease. Prepare and apply proper herbicides, insecticides, or fungicide mixtures. Apply dry, granular, and liquid fertilizers to turf, ornamentals, horticultural, and agronomic crops.
• Monitor the health of assigned areas and plants as well as insect populations and diseases.
• Maintain proper documentation as required by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as well as University policy and procedures.
• Ensure all chemical storage, transportation and disposal are complete in compliance with regulations and product requirements.
• Remove weeds mechanically and manually where needed.
• Prepare disease plant samples for laboratory submission and analysis.
• Interact with Assistant Director, Farm Manager, and Farm Supervisors to manage buildings and grounds, office space, greenhouses, irrigation wells, pumps, etc.
• Co-Supervise all unit equipment resources, especially spray applicator equipment.
• Work with Farm Manager, Director, Assistant Director and Farm Supervisor to develop strategies for integrated pest management decisions.

Educational Event Support

Agricultural Assistant II will work directly with Assistant Director, Farm Manager and Farm Supervisors to structure and promote educational Extension events (e.g., Field Days). Agricultural Assistant II will work closely with Assistant Director, Farm Manager and Farm Supervisors to assist with providing support to and working with other unit, county, or state personnel to facilitate extension educational programs across all HAEC sub-unit facilities.

7:00am - 3:30pm Monday - Friday (40 hours/week)

6:30am - 5:00pm Monday - Thursday (40 hours/week); 4-10 schedule may be necessary

Incumbent will need to occasionally work a different schedule to accommodate successful completion of field experiments as needed. Incumbent may need to be available for extension activities which may occur after normal working hours.

Expected Salary: Commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Preferred

• Stellar communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated strength in organization and efficiency meeting deadlines.
• In-depth experience supporting research farming operations.
• Moderate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with digital facility management tools a plus.
• Experience with pesticide applications.

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. This position is eligible for Veteran's preference. If you are claiming Veteran's preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

Health Assessment Required: Yes, this position will involve climbing, frequent reaching above shoulder, heavy lifting, kneeling, pesticide use, repeated bending, and repetitive pulling and pushing.

Applications Close: 27 March 2026

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/539128

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.