Farm Assistant III, Newark Farm

University of Delaware; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Delaware in Newark, DE seeks a Farm Assistant to support farm operations, maintenance, and supervise staff and student workers across Newark Farm locations.

Under limited supervision, you will coordinate scheduling of farm operations, perform repairs, construct equipment for experiments, ensure safety procedures, manage inventory, and assist researchers with data collection and training.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 5+ years in farm-operations and machinery experience.
• Knowledge of heating, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and masonry work.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects concurrently.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to work with diverse teams.
• Basic computing skills including email, internet, Word and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Assists in planning and scheduling farm operations and maintenance.
• Performs emergency repairs or replacements on equipment and vehicles.
• Ensures safety procedures are followed.
• Builds new equipment for experimental use.
• Performs plumbing work and fixtures maintenance.
• Manages checkout and security of shop tools.
• Operates and maintains complex farm equipment.
• Assists researchers in experiments and data collection.
• Trains or supervises staff or student workers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Project coordination

Learning agility

Basic computing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job no: 503757
College / VP Area: College of Ag & Natural Res
Work type: Staff
Location: Newark, DE
Categories: Administrative Support, Full Time

Please note: This is a 40 hour/week position.

CONTEXT OF THE JOB

Under limited supervision of the Crops Unit Manager, the Farm Assistant performs and coordinates farm operations, maintenance work and repairs on University farm equipment, vehicles, machinery and buildings including heating, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, mechanic and masonry work. The Farm Assistant is responsible for maintaining inventory, records of tools and equipment and safety procedures at various Newark Farm locations. The principal emphasis is on farm operations related to crop production, which includes hands‑on and supervisory activities as well as assisting researchers in collecting data and instructing or training staff. Independent judgment is required to assess, prioritize and schedule jobs.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in planning and implementing of scheduling of farm operations and maintenance and repairs of machinery and buildings.
• Takes appropriate action regarding emergency repairs or replacements regarding equipment and vehicles.
• Ensures that safety procedures are followed.
• Builds new equipment for experimental use.
• Performs plumbing work including repairs and replacement of faulty equipment.
• Responsible for checkout, use and security of shop tools and equipment.
• Operates and maintains complex farm equipment and tools such as self-propelled harvesting equipment.
• Provides assistance to researchers in conducting experiments and collecting experimental data.
• Provides assistance to other Newark farm units when coordinated through manager.
• Produces forage crops and grains.
• May train, instruct and supervise staff or student workers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS/OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES

The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED with five or more years of extensive machinery, supervisory and farm-operations experience.
• Knowledge of general practices and operations of equipment as well as advanced and comprehensive knowledge of heating, plumbing, electrical, carpentry and masonry work.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability and willingness to learn and accept new ideas, techniques and responsibilities.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Basic computing skills, with ability to use email, internet, and MS Office software such as Word and Excel.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

With or without assistance, must be able to routinely lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work in cramped areas and positions for extended periods of time, climb ladders in excess of 50 feet, and work above floor level or in pits. May be required to maintain a valid CDL A, B or C operator's license. Employment is dependent upon passing a University-specified medical evaluation related to the use of respiratory protection equipment. May be required to obtain and maintain a valid pesticide applicator's license.

Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.