Farms Operations Assistant (Part-Time)

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,640,000 - 26,863,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Tuition reduction

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Arizona is hiring a Farm Operations Assistant for Tucson Village Farm. Under supervision, you will support day-to-day farm operations, irrigation, and maintenance of educational spaces while helping invite and monitor volunteers.

You will assist in promoting sustainable agricul­tural practices and engaging youth in farm-based learning. You will work with the team to deliver hands-on programming for K–12 students and community groups, ensuring safety and a positive educational

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive per university policy.
• Experience with youth development or educational programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily farm operations including planting, harvesting, irrigation, composting, pest management, and soil health practices.
• Assist with implementing sustainable farming practices aligned with organic and regenerative principles.
• Coordinate use and maintenance of farm tools and equipment under safety standards.
• Support the education team in youth development, nutrition, and farm-based learning.
• Plan and deliver hands-on programming for K–12 students, interns, volunteers, and community groups.
• Engage volunteers and monitor activities to maintain a safe, productive learning environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Urban agriculture

Youth development

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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.

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!

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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 dailyoperations of the farm, including planting, harvesting, irrigation, composting,pest management, executing soil health practices.
• Assist withimplementing sustainable farming practices aligned with organic andregenerative agriculture principles under established procedures and supervisorguidance.
• With detailedinstruction, assist in coordinating the use and maintenance of farm tools andequipment, meeting all safety standards.
• Support theeducation team in youth development, nutrition, and farm-based learningprograms.
• Assist team inplanning and delivering hands-on programming for K–12 students, interns,volunteers, and community groups.
• Assist team inintegrating farm tasks and seasonal cycles into educational curricula andexperiential learning models.
• Assist withvolunteer outreach and support the orientation and monitoring of volunteersworking on the farm.
• Supportfostering a positive, comprehensive, and educational farm environment for allparticipants.
• With detailedinstruction from supervisor, assist in maintaining communication, schedules,and documentation for work crews.
• Participate inenvironmental sustainability and conservation through farm practices andeducational messaging.
• Assist andsupport in contributing to new initiatives and special projects that advancethe farm’s mission and impact.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability tocommunicate effectively.
• Familiaritywith urban agriculture and youth development.
• Basic knowledgeof 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.

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)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date 9/28/2026

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Elizabeth Sparks, Associate Agent, 4-H Youth Development
[e-mail]

Open Date 8/31/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the 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].