Agricultural Assistant II - UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program

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

Job summary

The University of Florida's UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program on the Main Campus in Gainesville is seeking an Agricultural Assistant II to support greenhouse and field germplasm care.

Responsibilities include propagation, seasonal breeding activities, data collection, and general facility maintenance, with emphasis on hands-on plant care and record-keeping. This is a time-limited, staff full-time role with veteran’s preference eligibility.

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: B.S. or B.A. with 2-year relevant work experience

Responsibilities

• Greenhouse work related to the care and growth of the UFBBP germplasm.
• Assisting with propagation and replanting of the UFBBP germplasm.
• Assisting with seasonal plant breeding activities (pollinating, pollen source management, parent plant care, seed planting).
• Field work including planting, irrigating, fertilizing, and related tasks for UFBBP germplasm.
• Maintenance of field grounds and greenhouse facilities; monitoring equipment.
• Collecting data and performing misc. clerical duties as assigned.

Skills

Plant care

Greenhouse work

Field work

Data collection

Clerical tasks

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

B.S. or B.A. with 2-year relevant work experience

Job description

Agricultural Assistant II - UF/IFAS Blueberry Breeding Program

Job no: 541666
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:

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:

This is an Agricultural Assistant II 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 ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience with successful care of large group of plants. Responsible for assisting with the care, maintenance, and growth of the University of Florida Blueberry Breeding Germplasm in the Field and in the Greenhouse. Engaging in seasonal breeding activities necessary to the growth and expansion of the UFBBP germplasm.

Duties include:

• Greenhouse work related to the care and growth of the UFBBP germplasm.
  • Assisting with the propagation and replanting of the existing and expanding UFBBP germplasm.
  • Assisting with seasonal plant breeding activities (Pollinating of female plants, Pollen source management, parent plant care/maintenance, and planting of seeds from seasonal breeding)
• Field work regarding care and maintenance of the UFBBP germplasm.
  • Assisting with planting, irrigating, fertilizing, and other seasonal misc. activities related to the growth and maintenance of the UFBBP germplasm.
• Field grounds(non-planted) and Greenhouse facility maintenance.
  • Cleaning/maintenance of the surrounding grounds of the UFBBP germplasm fields.
  • Cleaning/maintenance of the greenhouse facility and assisting with monitoring of the greenhouse essential equipment (Fans, cooling pad, and irrigating tools)
• Collecting data, misc. clerical work and other duties as assigned.

Commensurate with education, skills 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:

B.S. or B.A. with 2-year relevant work experience

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

This is a time-limited position.

This position is eligible for veteran’s preference.

Health Assessment Required:

Health Assessment Required: Yes

Advertised: 15 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 22 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.