Agricultural Technician II

State of North Carolina; Kentucky; On-site; USD 32,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The Oxford Tobacco Research Station is seeking an Agricultural Technician II (S) to support crop production activities, including soil prep, planting, spraying, and harvest tasks. The position emphasizes hands-on farming experience and reliable operation of common farm machinery.

The role requires ability to lift 50 lbs, work in adverse weather, and maintain accurate data records. Training in pesticide application and forklift operation may be needed within twelve months of employment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and one year of experience in the general care and management of animals or crops, or laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Public Pesticide Applicator License
• Forklift Driver Certificate issued by the Research Division
• Medical clearance to wear a half mask or full-faced respirator with cartridges

Responsibilities

• Assist with soil preparation, plot layout, planting, spray applications, and harvesting.
• Operate and perform basic maintenance on farm equipment.
• General facilities maintenance.
• Work may include other duties related to standard farm practices.

Skills

Crop production knowledge

Operate farm equipment

Chemical handling

Data collection

Manual labor (50 lbs)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Agency

Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services

Division

Agriculture Consumer Service

Job Classification Title

Agricultural Technician II (S)

Position Number

60012628

Grade

NC02

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 Oxford Tobacco Research Station is hiring an Agricultural Technician 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. Research is conducted on a variety of crops including tobacco, corn, soybeans, and small grains.

Our ideal candidate has hands‑on farm experience including tending to crops and operating farm machinery. If you are passionate about working in agriculture, this is a great opportunity to join our Research Station team!

Key responsibilities include:

• A variety of routine tasks, such as assisting with soil preparation, layout of plots, planting, applying spray treatments, and harvesting.
• Operation and basic maintenance of farm equipment
• General maintenance of facilities

Work may include other duties as assigned associated with general farm practices.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $31,500 - $49,000

• General understanding of crop production.
• Ability to operate various tractors and equipment commonly used in a farm environment.
• Ability to mix and apply chemicals commonly used in agronomic settings.
• Ability to collect and record data accurately.
• Ability to lift 50lbs routinely and perform all work in adverse weather conditions.

Must possess the following at the time of application or qualify for certification within twelve months of employment:

• Public Pesticide Applicator License
• Forklift Driver Certificate issued by the Research Division
• Medical clearance to wear a half mask or full-faced respirator with cartridges

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits.

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.

* Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete.
Questions regarding this posting? Contact 919-707-3201.

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.

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and one year of experience in the general care and management of animals or crops, or laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.