Principal Ag. Technician (AGRICULTURAL TCHN PRN)

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 82,208,000 - 115,046,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Dental & Vision

Retirement plans

Paid holidays

PTO

CE allowance

Professional development

PSLF

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a hands-on Agricultural Technician PRN to oversee day-to-day operations of the CA&ES Core Field Facilities (300+ acres) and 500+ acres of recharge locations. Responsibilities include supervising field activities, maintaining irrigation systems, and ensuring compliance with teaching/research protocols.

The role requires a California driver’s license, knowledge of farm equipment, and experience in production or research agriculture.

Qualifications

• Valid California driver’s license and DMV record per local policies.
• High school diploma or equivalent certification/ experience/ training.
• Experience in production and/or research agriculture.
• Experience operating agricultural equipment ranging from small walk-behind units to large tractors.
• Ability to calibrate pesticide application equipment, including broadcast spreaders and boom applicators.
• Knowledge of irrigation methods and ability to assemble/dismantle irrigation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Field Operations management (60% total) involving daily scheduling and supervision.
• Irrigation system maintenance and supervision of irrigation activities.
• Pest management responsibilities and pesticide usage oversight.

Skills

Driver's license

High school diploma

Production agriculture experience

Farm equipment operation

Pesticide calibration

Irrigation knowledge

Tools

Windows suite

Job description

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Principal Superintendent of Agriculture and Agriculture Supervisor, responsible for the day-to-day functions of the CA&ES Core Field Facilities (300+ acres) as well as 500+ acres of labor recharge locations. Ensure that work assignments and priorities of the field facility are completed in an effective manner while meeting deadlines. Understand various types of farm equipment to maintain mandated teaching and research protocols for projects. Maintain buildings, grounds, and fields assigned including irrigation systems, land management, storage areas. Record daily activity information into a computer database, including rental hours and operations.

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Principal Superintendent of Agriculture and Agriculture Supervisor, responsible for the day-to-day functions of the CA&ES Core Field Facilities (300+ acres) as well as 500+ acres of labor recharge locations. Ensure that work assignments and priorities of the field facility are completed in an effective manner while meeting deadlines. Understand various types of farm equipment to maintain mandated teaching and research protocols for projects. Maintain buildings, grounds, and fields assigned including irrigation systems, land management, storage areas. Record daily activity information into a computer database, including rental hours and operations.

Apply By Date

August 28th 2026 by 11:59PM

Qualifications

• Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
• High School diploma or equivalent certification/ experience/ training.
• Experience in production and/or research agriculture including knowledge and understanding the difference between production and research agriculture.
• Experience operating agricultural equipment ranging from small walk behind power units to large tractors.
• Skill to calibrate all types of pesticide application equipment, including broadcast spreaders and boom applicators, to ensure proper application.
• Knowledge and skills to determine proper irrigation methods, to assemble and dismantle irrigation equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with research experimental design to properly collect qualitative/quantitative data for research/teaching projects.
• Computer skills using Windows/MS Office to maintain accurate records.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse culture of faculty, staff and students.
• Knowledge of pesticide application equipment to troubleshoot and maintain equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• 45% - Field Operations
• 35% - Irrigation
• 20% - Pest Management

Department Overview

The Core Field Facilities is a core facility managed within the College of Agricultural &Environmental Sciences (CA&ES). This position supervises a team housed in the largest and most complex agricultural unit located in UC Davis. The CCFF provides all farm management and maintenance of over 800 acres of agronomic, vegetable and forage crops, supporting more than 415 teaching and research projects annually.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.69/hr. - $40.15/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-weekly
• Salary Grade: STEPS
• UC Job Title: AGRICULTURAL TCHN PRN
• UC Job Code: 008540
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Monday-Friday, 7a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Davis
• Union Representation: SX-Service Workers
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Never 0 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Never 0 Hours
• Twisting - Never 0 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Never 0 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e.g., cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

• Work flexible schedule to meet operational need.-Position requires a California Pesticide Applicator Certificate and Forklift. Safety Certificate (to be obtained within 6 months of employment).-Ca Driver's License to drive to work site.-Subject to medica

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement.

#YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

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