Agricultural Technician I

Agriculture & Consumer Services; North Carolina; On-site; USD 31,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is hiring an entry-level Agricultural Technician I to support the Poultry and Small Ruminants Unit at the Piedmont Research Station. You will assist with animal husbandry tasks, facility maintenance, and work across varied housing environments.

The role involves weekend and holiday shifts on a rotational schedule, with growth potential within the program and a focus on safe, efficient farming practices.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn research principles and methods.
• Ability to learn and apply policy and procedural guidelines.
• Ability to perform long periods of repetitive reaching, stooping, standing, bending, and lifting 50 lbs.
• Ability to operate tractors and equipment commonly used on a farm.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must possess certifications within twelve months of employment: Forklift Driver Certificate and Public Pesticide Applicator License; Medical clearance to wear respirator.

Responsibilities

• Animal husbandry - Poultry activities such as hatching, feeding, egg collection, and manure management.
• Animal husbandry - Small Ruminants activities such as daily feeding, cleaning, health monitoring, hoof trimming, and assisting with birth.
• General Facility and grounds maintenance.
• Ability to work in many different housing environments.

Skills

Learning research principles

Policy & procedures

Physical endurance

Farm machinery operation

Valid driver’s license

Forklift certification

Pesticide license within 12 months

Respirator certification

Job description

About Us

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description of Work

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. The Piedmont Research Station is hiring an entry-level Agricultural Technician I with growth potential for a fulfilling career in agriculture. Our mission is to serve as a platform for agricultural research to make farming more efficient, productive, and profitable, while maintaining a sound environment and providing consumers with safe and affordable products. This Agricultural Technician position will support research efforts in the Poultry/Small Ruminants Unit. Our ideal candidate will have skills and experience in general animal agricultural production and will participate in all facets of animal husbandry activities for Poultry and Small Ruminants.

Responsibilities

• Animal husbandry - Poultry activities such as hatching, feeding, egg collection, and manure management.
• Animal husbandry - Small Ruminants activities such as daily feeding, cleaning, and health monitoring, hoof trimming, and assisting with birth.
• General Facility and grounds maintenance
• Ability to work in many different housing environments.

This position will work closely with other research station staff, including the dairy and crops team, to meet daily demands of research protocols and to contribute to the overall success of the Research Station’s goals. This position will require weekend and holiday work on a rotational schedule.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $31,200 - $44,000

• Ability to learn research principles and methods.
• Ability to learn and apply policy and procedural guidelines.
• Ability to perform long periods of repetitive reaching, stooping, standing, bending, and lifting of 50 lbs.
• Ability to operate various tractors and equipment commonly used in a farm environment.
• Valid driver’s license
• Must possess the following at the time of application or qualify for certification within twelve months of employment: Forklift Driver Certificate Public Pesticide Applicator License Medical clearance to wear a half mask or full-face respirator with cartridges.

All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Demonstrated ability to perform the work as described.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

State Application Resources/Frequently Asked Questions

Valuing Education and Experience The State of North Carolina values the knowledge and experience of our jobseekers and current state employees. Approximately 91 percent of state job classifications allow experience to be substituted for education or do not require a post-secondary degree. Learn more about how you may qualify for a position through education or directly related experience, or a combination of both, with the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide. All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.

Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.

North Carolina State Government is one of the state’s largest employers, with over 76,000 employees all working toward a common goal: a safer and stronger North Carolina. We are a large organization comprised of various agencies, offices, and universities, each providing important public services.

Eligible state employees are entitled to comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more. To learn more about the benefits of being a North Carolina state employee, visit the N.C. Office of State Human Resources' website.

Permanent, temporary, and time-limited state government jobs can be found from the mountains to the coast.