OPS Sustainable Field Lab Assistant

OPS Sustainable Field Lab Assistant; Georgia; On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

UF/IFAS is seeking a Field Lab Assistant to support the Sustainable Field Lab operations, including vegetable and herb production, greenhouse activities, and crop evaluations. The role involves hands-on work in outdoor and greenhouse settings, data collection, and collaboration with researchers.

Applicants should be able to work in heat and humidity, perform physical tasks, and have strong organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work outdoors in heat and humidity.
• Physically able to perform field and greenhouse tasks.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willing to perform pesticide applications; applicator certification may be provided.

Responsibilities

• Support management and operation of UF/IFAS TREC Sustainable Field Lab, focusing on sustainable production, greenhouse operations, and field-based research.
• Perform seedling/transplant production, greenhouse maintenance, planting, irrigation, fertilization, weed and pest management, harvesting, and field maintenance.
• Assist with selecting and evaluating vegetables, herbs, and crops, plus sustainable production systems including high tunnels and hydroponics.

Skills

Outdoor work

Physical fitness

Communication skills

Pesticide application willingness

Driver's license

Tools

Excel

Data collection tools

Job description

Classification Title:

OPS Time Limited

Classification Minimum Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors under South Florida environmental conditions, including heat and humidity.
• Ability to perform physical activities associated with field and greenhouse operations.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to perform pesticide applications as needed; pesticide applicator certification may be provided after hiring.
• Valid driver’s license.

Job Description:

The OPS Sustainable Field Lab Assistant will support the management and operation of the UF/IFAS TREC Sustainable Field Lab, with an emphasis on sustainable vegetable and herb production, greenhouse operations, crop and cultivar selection, and field-based extension and research activities. Responsibilities will include seedling and transplant production, greenhouse maintenance, planting, irrigation, fertilization, weed and pest management, harvesting, and general field maintenance. The position will also assist with the selection and evaluation of vegetables, herbs, specialty and underutilized crops, as well as sustainable production systems including high tunnels and hydroponics. Additional responsibilities may include organizing field days and outreach activities, establishing and maintaining experiments, collecting field and plant samples, recording and entering data, and assisting with research and extension projects.

Expected Salary:

$15.00-$18.00 an hour commensurate with education and experience

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to work outdoors under South Florida environmental conditions, including heat and humidity.
• Ability to perform physical activities associated with field and greenhouse operations.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability and willingness to perform pesticide applications as needed; pesticide applicator certification may be provided after hiring.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred:

• Experience in vegetable and herb production, greenhouse management, or field research.
• Knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices and crop production systems.
• Experience with data collection, Excel, and basic computer applications.
• Experience with high tunnel, hydroponic, or other protected‑culture systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Health Assessment Required:

No