Horticulture Aide/Machine Operator

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (PA, TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Horticulture Aide/Machine Operator to join their dynamic team. This exciting role involves operating various farm equipment, assisting in planting and harvesting operations, and maintaining farm inventories. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in orchard management and the ability to work effectively with seasonal employees. With a commitment to advancing equity and respect, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful agricultural research while enjoying a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of orchard management and spraying techniques.
• Equivalent to 2 to 3 years applied trades training.

Responsibilities

• Operate farm equipment for soil preparation and planting.
• Assist in planting, harvesting, and data collection.

Skills

Orchard Management

Equipment Operation

Pesticide Application

Mathematics

Education

Applied Trades Training

Tools

Tractors

Sprayers

Mowers

Chain Saws

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences is searching for a full time Horticulture Aide/Machine Operator to join their team. Duties include:

• Operate a variety of farm equipment such as tractors, plows, disks, harrows, planters, rototillers, etc., to prepare soil for planting, cultivating, spraying of orchards, vegetables plots and ornamental nursery
• Assist in hand operations of planting, harvesting, weeding
• Erect new equipment and other special structures
• On occasion, direct work of seasonal employees
• Assist in planting, pruning, training, budding, grafting, harvesting, mowing, frost control, and monitoring of conditions in orchard
• Collect various types of data involving measurements, sampling and yields, also assist graduate students with similar procedures and experiments
• Prepare chemical solutions and weigh out fertilizers and pesticides for various research and maintenance sprays
• Operate a variety of research equipment, trucks, sprayers, pruners, mowers, chain saws, irrigation equipment, etc.
• Perform maintenance on various equipment such as cleaning, greasing, welding, etc., and maintaining farm inventories, also keeping clean and improving buildings and farm grounds
• Perform other related duties

Job Requirements: Requires the use of shop mathematics together with the use of complicated drawings, specifications, charts, tables, various types of adjustable measuring instruments and the training generally applicable in a particular or specialized occupation. Equivalent to 2 to 3 years applied trades training. Knowledge of orchard management, the use of spraying techniques and the mixing of sprays by formula. Requires Pennsylvania Commercial Driver`s License Class A without Restriction L (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) and Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification (Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture). Additionally, the successful candidate must obtain a Pesticide Applicator Category 18 within six (6) months of hire. Over 18 months up to and including 3 years of effective experience.

Work Schedule:7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Days Off:Saturday, Sunday

NOTE: THIS POSITION REQUIRES THAT YOU OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE AS A PART OF YOUR JOB DUTIES. A VALID DRIVER`S LICENSE AND SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE RECORDS CHECK WILL BE REQUIRED IN ADDITION TO STANDARD BACKGROUND CHECKS.

NOTE: THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TESTING FOR ALCOHOL AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES (49 CFR PART 40), AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS AS PER PA CODE 231.85.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms.We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belongingthat supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages theeducational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of thecommunity thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and anessential element of the university's teaching, research, and servicemission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Affirmative Action

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines

University Park, PA