Head Soils and Plants Technician

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits for employee and

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, invites applications for Head Soils and Plants Technician. The role involves guiding a team in soil and plant research setups and performing group duties, with on-site hours from 7:30am to 4:30pm.

Qualifications include a high school education with 3 years of agricultural experience, and licensure requirements such as NJ Pesticide Applicator License and a valid driver's license. A Bachelor's degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school/vocational education or equivalent with 3 years agriculture experience.
• Equivalent combination of related courses and experience may substitute.
• Must obtain NJ Pesticide Applicator License within six months of employment.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to complete Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.

Responsibilities

• Guides and instructs a group in duties involving land and experimental equipment for soils and plants.
• Performs any duties of the group.

Skills

Communication skills

Plant science literacy

Driving history

Education

High school/vocational education or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in agriculture (horticulture or agronomy) preferred

NJ Pesticide Applicator License within six months

Valid driver’s license

Rutgers Defensive Driving Course

Tools

Tractors

Roto-tillers

Soil preparation implements

Mowers

Chain saws

Power tools

Job description

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting Title: Head Soils and Plants Technician

Job Category: AFSCME Local 888

Department: Horticulture III

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 Plants Technician for 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

Minimum Salary: 45958.880

Mid Range Salary: 54066.420

Maximum Salary: 62358.530

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:

• 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 (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status: Full Time

Working Hours: 8 hours, M-F, 7:30am to 4:30pm

Standard Hours: 40.00

Work Arrangement: This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Union Description: AFSCME - Local 888

Payroll Designation: PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment: Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility: PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience:

• 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.
• An equivalent combination of related vocational/technical, junior college, college level courses, and related experience may be substituted for the above experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Must have or be willing to obtain a valid NJ Pesticide Applicator License within six months of employment.
• A valid driver's license would be required for this position.
• Ability to successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to initiate and complete assignments.
• Ability to read and understand research level plant science instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with faculty and staff in writing and orally.
• Two years of driving history.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, preferably in horticulture or agronomy.
• Research farm experience related to plant growing.
• Licensed for pesticide application to agricultural crops.

Equipment Utilized:

• Tractors of various size, roto-tillers, various soil preparation implements, mowers, chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, string trimmers, various spray equipment, leaf blowers, hazelnut harvesting and processing equipment, various power tools and arc welders.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Ability to work in the hot humid conditions of farm fields and greenhouses.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to climb and work on a ladder.
• Ability to walk the fields and greenhouses for work and inspection.
• Ability to physically move from field to field via walking and motorized vehicles.

Special Conditions:

• Safe Driving Record.

Posting Details

Posting Number: 26ST1133

Posting Open Date: 05/21/2026

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Off Campus

City: New Brunswick

State: NJ

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.

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 encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement