Head Soils and Plant Technician

Rutgers University; New Jersey; On-site; USD 43,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutgers University is seeking a Head Soils and Plant Technician to oversee experimental operations within the Nielsen Fruit Entomology laboratory. This role involves guiding diverse duties related to soil and plant research, requiring a high school education and relevant agricultural experience. The position offers comprehensive benefits and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits for employees and dependents

Qualifications

• Requires high school education and three years of agricultural experience.
• Experience with chemicals, harvesting, and equipment repair essential.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Guide and instruct a group in operating experimental equipment related to soils and plants.

Skills

Agricultural experience

Chemical handling

Research data handling

Education

High school/vocational school education

Tools

Farm equipment

Job description

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply for this Job link/button.

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Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY: To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 04/11/2025. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title

Recruitment/Posting Title Head Soils and Plant Technician

Job Category

Job Category AFSCME Local 888

Department

Department SEBS - RAREC

Overview

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics.

In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Head Soils and Plant Technician for the The Nielsen Fruit Entomology laboratory within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Guides and instructs a group in diverse duties involving the layout and operation of land and experimental equipment pertaining to the research and development of soils and plants. Performs any duties of the group.

FLSA

FLSA Nonexempt

Grade

Grade 16

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

Minimum Salary 43111.370

Mid Range Salary 50716.590

Maximum Salary

Maximum Salary 58494.940

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits
• Requires a high school/vocational school education or equivalent, plus three years experience in agriculture involving the use of chemicals, plot preparation, harvesting, handling research data and the use and repair of farm equipment and machinery.

Certifications/Licenses

• Requires a valid driver’s license and two years driving experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Will be required to successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
• Required to obtain a New Jersey Commercial Pesticide applicators license including CORE , 1A and 10 category certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in agricultural, biological, or related field

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Special Conditions

• Must be able to work outside in a range of environmental conditions.

Posting Number

Posting Number 25ST0721

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 04/03/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants

Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY : To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 04/11/2025. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.

Regional Campus

Home Location Campus

Home Location Campus Off Campus

City

City Bridgeton

State

State NJ

Position Information Recruitment/Posting Title Head Soils and Plant Technician Job Category AFSCME Local 888 Department SEBS - RAREC Overview The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics.

In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state. Posting Summary Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Head Soils and Plant Technician for the The Nielsen Fruit Entomology laboratory within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Guides and instructs a group in diverse duties involving the layout and operation of land and experimental equipment pertaining to the research and development of soils and plants. Performs any duties of the group.

FLSA Nonexempt Grade 16 Salary Details Minimum Salary 43111.370 Mid Range Salary 50716.590 Maximum Salary 58494.940 Offer Information The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. Benefits Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discounts programs

For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview . Position Status Full Time Working Hours (per week) Standard Hours 40.00 Daily Work Shift Day Work Arrangement Union Description AFSCME - Local 888 Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Seniority Unit Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month Position Pension Eligibility PERS Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a high school/vocational school education or equivalent, plus three years experience in agriculture involving the use of chemicals, plot preparation, harvesting, handling research data and the use and repair of farm equipment and machinery.

Certifications/Licenses

• Requires a valid driver’s license and two years driving experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Will be required to successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
• Required to obtain a New Jersey Commercial Pesticide applicators license including CORE , 1A and 10 category certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in agricultural, biological, or related field

Equipment Utilized Physical Demands and Work Environment Special Conditions

• Must be able to work outside in a range of environmental conditions.

Posting Details Posting Number 25ST0721 Posting Open Date 04/03/2025 Special Instructions to Applicants Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY : To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 04/11/2025. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well. Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Off Campus City Bridgeton State NJ Location Details Pre-employment Screenings All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings. Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Are you currently a member of AFSCME - Local 888?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a high school/vocational school education or equivalent, plus three years experience in agriculture involving the use of chemicals, plot preparation, harvesting, handling research data and the use and repair of farm equipment and machinery?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Detail your experience with agricultural production practices.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your understanding of Integrated Pest Management (no more than 3 sentences).

  (Open Ended Question)

Required DocumentsOptional Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of Professional References (contact Info)

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation with regard to your access to and/or your participation in the application and selection processes (for example, the online application process or interviews), please call 848-932-4444 or e-mail us .

Rutgers University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact us at 732.745.7378 or via email at [e-mail] .

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To learn more about Rutgers University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on its campuses, click here .