Farms Operations Assistant (Part-Time)

Phase2 Technology; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability programs

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Tuition reduction

Retirement plans

Recreation access

Job summary

University of Arizona is seeking a Farm Operations Assistant to support the day-to-day farm operations at Tucson Village Farm as part of the Pima County Cooperative Extension. Under supervision, you will assist in production, irrigation, maintenance, and educational programming for youth and volunteers.

You will contribute to sustainable farming practices, community outreach, and hands-on learning experiences in a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Familiarity with urban agriculture and youth development.
• Basic knowledge of agricultural production practices, including soil health, irrigation, IPM, and crop care.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily operations of the farm, including planting, harvesting, irrigation, composting, pest management, and soil health practices.
• Assist with implementing sustainable farming practices aligned with organic and regenerative agriculture under guidance.
• Coordinate use and maintenance of farm tools and equipment following safety standards.
• Support education team in youth development, nutrition, and farm-based learning programs.
• Plan and deliver hands-on programming for K-12 students, interns, volunteers, and community groups.

Skills

Communication

Urban agriculture

Soil health & irrigation

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Position Highlights

This Farm Operations Assistant position will be part of a dynamic team which works to develop and deliver agricultural education, STEM learning, and community outreach programs at Tucson Village Farm through the University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension. Under direct supervision and with detailed instruction provided, the successful candidate will support the day-to-day operations of the farm, including assisting in production areas, irrigation, and maintenance of educational growing spaces. Working with instructions provided and under the direct guidance of the County Agent and Farm Manager, this position will help to invite volunteers to work on the farm, assist in monitoring volunteer work, support educational programming, and help to ensure the farm remains a safe, productive, and engaging learning environment.

The assistant will participate in promoting sustainable agricultural practices while supporting the farm's mission of connecting youth and the community with food, agriculture, and the environment.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform daily
  operations of the farm, including planting, harvesting, irrigation, composting,
  pest management, executing soil health practices.
• Assist with
  implementing sustainable farming practices aligned with organic and
  regenerative agriculture principles under established procedures and supervisor
  guidance.
• With detailed
  instruction, assist in coordinating the use and maintenance of farm tools and
  equipment, meeting all safety standards.
• Support the
  education team in youth development, nutrition, and farm-based learning
  programs.
• Assist team in
  planning and delivering hands-on programming for K-12 students, interns,
  volunteers, and community groups.
• Assist team in
  integrating farm tasks and seasonal cycles into educational curricula and
  experiential learning models.
• Assist with
  volunteer outreach and support the orientation and monitoring of volunteers
  working on the farm.
• Support
  fostering a positive, comprehensive, and educational farm environment for all
  participants.
• With detailed
  instruction from supervisor, assist in maintaining communication, schedules,
  and documentation for work crews.
• Participate in
  environmental sustainability and conservation through farm practices and
  educational messaging.
• Assist and
  support in contributing to new initiatives and special projects that advance
  the farm's mission and impact.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to
  communicate effectively.
• Familiarity
  with urban agriculture and youth development.
• Basic knowledge
  of agricultural production practices, including soil health, irrigation,
  integrated pest management, and crop care.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Prior work experience not required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assisting with agricultural, gardening, landscaping, or farm operations activities.
• Familiarity with sustainable agriculture, community gardening, urban farming, or food systems.
• Experience working with youth, volunteers, community groups, or educational programs.

Job Details

• Posting Number: req26945
• Department: Pima County Office
• Department Website Link: https://Tucsonvillagefarm.arizona.edu/
• Location: County Extensions and Farms
• Address: 2201 E Roger Road, Tucson, AZ 85719 USA
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Full Time/Part Time: Part Time
• Number of Hours Worked per Week: 20
• Job FTE: .50
• Work Calendar: Fiscal
• Job Category: Agriculture and Extension
• Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits
• Rate of Pay: $16.50 - $18.75
• Compensation Type: hourly rate
• Grade: 2
• Compensation Guidance: The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
• Career Stream and Level: OC1
• Job Family: Extension
• Job Function: Agriculture & Extension
• Type of criminal background check required: Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to job duties)
• Contact Information for Candidates: Elizabeth Sparks, Associate Agent, 4-H Youth Development [e-mail]

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].