Agricultural Technician Principal (AGRICULTURAL TCHN PRN)

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a highly skilled Agricultural Technician PRN to lead day-to-day FPS field operations across 250+ acres in Davis. You will supervise a crew and manage field crops, equipment, and inventory for disease testing and propagation.

The role encompasses pest management, equipment maintenance, and growth facility tasks with a strong emphasis on safe pesticide application and record keeping. On-site work schedule is M-F 8am-5pm with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Valid California driver’s license or enroll in EPNP program.
• No minimum education required.
• 3-5 years of progressive experience in commercial agriculture or research field operations; operate and fine-tune diverse farm machinery.
• Knowledge of pest monitoring, calibrating application equipment, and safe pesticide use per laws.
• Advanced maintenance and repair of farm vehicles, engines, and irrigation systems.
• Ability to perform minor welding and fabricate parts for research projects.
• Knowledge of plant growth, soil fertility, and irrigation management; nursery propagation and cultivation practices.

Responsibilities

• 55% Field Operations.
• 20% Pest Management.
• 15% Equipment Maintenance.
• 10% Growing Facilities Operations.

Skills

Operating farm machinery

Pest management

Pesticide calibration

Farm vehicle maintenance

Welding/fabrication

Irrigation management

Education

No minimum education required

Tools

Drip irrigation design

Sprinkler irrigation systems

Job description

Job ID: 89171

Location: Davis

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Under general supervision of the Agricultural Supervisor, the incumbent will perform the duties of a highly skilled Ag. Specialist. The Principal Ag Tech will be responsible for the day-to-day functions of the FPS fields(250+ acres) to ensure work assignments and priorities are completed in an effective manner while meeting deadlines. Will act in a lead position over a crew of Senior Ag. Technicians, Ag. Techs, and Farm Laborers within all the agricultural fields of Foundation Plant Services. Will have sole responsibility for the performance of all Agricultural operations on a year-round basis. Understand and handle complex multi-operational farm equipment including orchard and vineyard sprayers, tractors with many different implements, power driven tillage complements, bulldozers, and earth moving equipment. Act as pest or weed control specialist with responsibility for supervising pest or weed control operations including locating and identifying pests or weeds, as well as conduct, perform, and oversee the very complex chemical spray program of our fields to protect the integrity of field plants. Responsible for overseeing and leading all FPS field crew in the accurate collection of all FPS field crops, labeling and inventory of plant material for disease testing and sales, propagation duties for several different crops, packaging, and shipment of plant materials. Other related duties as required.

Apply By Date

October 13th 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• No minimum education required
• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive experience in commercial agriculture or research field operations. This must include demonstrated proficiency in operating, fine-tuning, and adjusting a diverse range of farm machinery (e.g., tractors, discs, landplanes, bed shapers) and managing perennial crops through planting, pruning, and harvesting.
• In-depth knowledge of agricultural pest monitoring and a proven ability to calibrate application equipment, calculate rates, and apply pesticides safely in compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
• Advanced skill in the independent maintenance, diagnostic troubleshooting, and repair of farm vehicles, implements, small engines, and irrigation systems (including injectors and filters).
• Ability to perform minor welding and fabricate specialized parts or apparatuses tailored for research projects.
• Strong technical knowledge of plant growth and development, soil fertility, and irrigation management. This includes hands-on horticultural skills in nursery propagation, indexing, and executing cultural practices (such as mulching, weeding, and fruit harvesting) vital to maintaining healthy perennial crops and research blocks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualified Applicators Certificate
• Skill in designing and installing drip- and sprinkler-irrigation systems. Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals and provide clear directions for tasks.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to keep meticulous records, track nursery inventory, and log quantitative/qualitative data.
• Must be skilled in using computer databases to accurately document plant sources, transplanting lists, and daily field/maintenance activities.

Key Responsibilities

• 55% - Field Operations
• 20% - Pest Management
• 15% - Equipment Maintenance
• 10% - Growing Facilities Operations

Department Overview

Foundation Plant Services (FPS) is a self-supporting service unit whose primary function is to produce, maintain, and distribute virus-tested plant materials of deciduous fruit and nut tress, grapevines, strawberries, and roses for research and public commercial use. FPS also operates the National Grapevine Importation Program through which grape germplasm is imported, tested for disease, and made available for public distribution.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.69/hr. - $40.15/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: AGRICULTURAL TCHN PRN
• UC Job Code: 008540
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F 8am-5pm
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: SX-Service Workers
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee's lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Never 0 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Never 0 Hours
• Twisting - Never 0 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Never 0 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work flexible schedule to meet operational needs. Work overtime and on weekends year round. CA Driver's License to drive to work site. Work in enclosed areas treated with pesticides after re-entry periods are reached.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks