Research Farm Technician

Sakataornamentals; California (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401k program with company match

Paid Vacation

Profit Sharing program

Paid Family Leave

Job summary

A leading agriculture company in California is seeking a Farm Technician to assist with daily farm operations. The technician will manage irrigation systems, support crop maintenance, and ensure proper pesticide application. A Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or equivalent experience is required. The ideal candidate must also possess a pesticide applicator’s license and have strong knowledge of farm operations. Benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, and a 401k program with company match.

Qualifications

• Must have a current pesticide applicator’s license.
• Ability to handle stress and work under time constraints.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily farm operations and irrigation management.
• Record seasonal data for crop performance.
• Spray and maintain on-farm research plots.

Skills

Ability to operate farm equipment

General knowledge of farm operations

Bi-lingual English/Spanish

Computer experience with Microsoft Office

Education

B.S. in agriculture or related subject

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Farm Technician works in cooperation with the Farm Manager and the Research Trials Manager to improve the growing conditions of the research crops. Farm Technician is primarily responsible for supporting daily farm operations and assisting with irrigation and pesticide applications. Manage equipment and working closely with the crew to keep operations running efficiently on the Research Station.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Responsible for assisting farming crops and maintaining greenhouses. Assists the Farm Manager with the maintenance of the research farm.
• Responsible for recording seasonal data relating to crop maps, fertilizer, irrigation, and overall growing season performance for each crop.
• Responsible for irrigation management including that the irrigation systems are maintained and operated correctly.
• Responsible for spraying and maintaining (as needed) on-farm research and demonstration plots.
• Responsible for pesticide applications including completing required documentation and posting requirements.
• Assists in monitoring and guiding the farming activities to achieve desired results.
• Coordinate with Farm Manager and Breeder Assistants regarding chemical applications in the field and greenhouses.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Must be able to operate and maintain farm equipment such as irrigation pumps,
• Must have general knowledge of farm operations and farm management principles.
• Bi-lingual English/Spanish ability is highly desirable but not required.
• Ability to handle stress especially when encountering necessary projects, deadlines and/or high workload.
• Must be able to work under strict time constraints and requirements.
• Computer experience with Microsoft Office software desired.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. in agriculture or related subject, or equivalent knowledge and experience as determined by Sakata

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:

• Must have and maintain a current pesticide applicator’s license.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to work with chemicals and other irritating substances.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment when required.
• Must be able to work under different weather conditions such as extremes of temperature, dampness, rain and sun exposure.
• Must be able to work in dusty conditions.
• Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to work long and irregular hours.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance coverage for employees and their families
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
• 401k program with company match
• Profit Sharing program (via 401k)
• Holiday & Performance Incentive Bonus program
• Paid Vacation: 10 days per year to start, increases with tenure
• Sick Leave: 1 hour accrued per 30 hours worked for first 30 days, 6.67 hours per month after.
• 14 paid company holidays, 2 floating holidays & birthday off
• Paid Family Leave: 15 days after 12 months of service for FMLA qualifying events

* To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty (as described above) satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable Individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.