Farm Operations Specialist – Precision Ag & Field Tech

NCSL International; Georgetown, Northern (DE, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Delaware Farm Operations team is seeking a Farm Assistant to support field operations, equipment maintenance, and research plots at Georgetown, DE. The role involves running tractors, irrigation systems, and precision agriculture tools while assisting with pesticide applications in a collaborative research environment.

The position may be filled at Farm Assistant II or III levels, with housing options on campus and comprehensive safety training provided.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, with related farm experience.
• Experience operating agricultural machinery and following field protocols.
• Ability to learn precision agriculture technologies and data collection.
• Willingness to obtain required certifications within timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain tractors, planters, sprayers, and irrigation equipment.
• Perform field operations in research plots per protocols to ensure data quality.
• Apply pesticides and nutrients according to study procedures and regulations.
• Support equipment calibration, maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate with farm staff and researchers on schedules and tasks.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Independent work

Communication skills

Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, e‑

Safety-consciousness

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL Class A preferred

Delaware Pesticide Applicator/Nutrient Management Applicator certifications preferred

Tools

GPS/GNSS guidance systems

Autosteer

Electronic data capture systems

Excel

Job description

The University of Delaware Farm Operations team is seeking a Farm Assistant to support field operations, equipment maintenance, and research plots at Georgetown, DE. The role involves running tractors, irrigation systems, and precision agriculture tools while assisting with pesticide applications in a collaborative research environment.

The position may be filled at Farm Assistant II or III levels, with housing options on campus and comprehensive safety training provided.