Horticulture Aide/Machine Operator

Penn State University; University Park (AL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Horticulture Aide/Machine Operator to enhance their agricultural operations. This full-time role involves operating various farm equipment, assisting in planting and harvesting, and maintaining research equipment. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in orchard management and the ability to work with specialized tools. Join a team that values equity and inclusion while contributing to meaningful agricultural research and practices. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend hands-on work with scientific inquiry in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Requires 2-3 years of applied trades training and knowledge of orchard management.
• Must obtain Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator Certification within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Operate farm equipment for soil preparation and maintenance.
• Assist with planting, harvesting, and data collection for research.

Skills

Orchard management

Use of spraying techniques

Mathematics for shop use

Data collection and analysis

Education

Applied trades training (2-3 years)

Tools

Farm equipment (tractors, plows, etc.)

Research equipment (sprayers, mowers, etc.)

Adjustable measuring instruments

Job description

Horticulture Aide/Machine Operator

Apply locations: Penn State University Park

Time type: Full time

Posted on: Posted 9 Days Ago

Job requisition id: REQ_0000061386

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 belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

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,