Agricultural Technician II

Ncagr; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

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.

Our ideal candidate has hands-on farm experience including tending to crops and operating farm machinery.

Qualifications

• General understanding of crop production.
• Ability to operate tractors and farm equipment.
• Ability to mix and apply agricultural chemicals.
• Ability to collect and record data accurately.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs routinely.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with soil preparation, layout of plots, planting, applying spray treatments, and harvesting.
• Operation and basic maintenance of farm equipment.
• General maintenance of facilities.

Skills

General crop production

Operate tractors and farm equipment

Mix and apply agricultural chemicals

Data collection and record keeping

Lift 50 lbs routinely

Work in adverse weather

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Public Pesticide Applicator License

Forklift Driver Certificate

USDOT medical certificate

Job description

Agency and Position

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

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

• 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.

Recruitment Range

$31,500 - $49,000

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities / Management Preferences

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.

Certification Requirements

• 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.

Minimum Education and Experience

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.

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.

Additional Driver Requirements

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.

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.