Research Station Operations Technician

Alabama-A; Normal (AL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Alabama-A seeks a Farm Technician to support WTARS day-to-day operations on an institutional farm. You will perform manual farm work, operate tractors, care for sheep, goats, and cattle, and assist with maintenance of fences, buildings, grounds and equipment.

Reporting to the Station Manager, you will work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, and help prepare samples for reports. The role requires high school completion and 1-3 years of farming experience.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school or high school equivalency.
• Demonstrated experience in farming including the operation of tractors and other farm equipment; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• 1-3 years’ experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate tractors and farm equipment to perform plowing, harrowing, cultivating, fertilizing, irrigating, and harvesting.
• Care for livestock including the cleaning, feeding, weighing, and administering medications.
• Mix soil, sand, and fertilizers and prepare insecticide solutions; operate spray equipment.
• Perform basic maintenance and repairs on farm equipment and buildings.
• Set up and maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals.
• Work with agricultural scientists on plant, fiber, and animal research.

Skills

Tractor operation

Livestock care

Equipment maintenance

Mechanical skills

Problem solving

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Summary: This individual supports the Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station (WTARS) day-to-day operations. The work involves responsibility for performing manual farm work which requires a moderately high degree of manipulative skill including operation of tractors and other farm equipment. Other duties include management of the livestock (sheep, goat and cattle) operations including health, feeding, and performing maintenance on fences, buildings, grounds and equipment as well as other tasks assigned by the Station Manager. Work is performed under the direction of an employee of a higher grade, but constant supervision is not required because of the farm experience of employees in this class.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works as semi-skilled farm laborer on an institutional farm; performs duties such asplowing, harrowing, cultivating, fertilizing, irrigating, and harvesting farm crops on assigned plots and acreage.
• Operates tractors, moving and spraying equipment, chain saws, carry all, front end loader, milking machines, and other common and specialized equipment used ingeneral farmingoperations.
• Cares for livestock, including the cleaning, feeding, weighing, and medication of animals; checks animals for sickness and otherdisorders.
• Mixes soil, sand, and fertilizers according to specifications; prepares insecticide solutionsand operates spray equipment on assigned plots and acreage for insectcontrol.
• Changes oil, greases, and makes limited repairs to farm equipment and machinery; assists inthe general repair and maintenance of farmbuildings.
• This position involves service, set-up, and repair of agricultural equipment both in the shop and in the field. Primary equipment includes, but not limited to, tractors, combines, cotton pickers, lawn equipment, and various other implements and attachments.
• Prepares and performs various tests on crop or animal samples to test for signs of disease or other issues and provide informationfor reports
• These technicians can find themselves performing a range of duties, from taking care of livestock to maintaining and operating farm machinery, and helping in the harvesting of crops.
• They work with agriculturalscientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals.

Minimum Position Requirements (including certifications, licenses, etc.):

• Completion of high school or high school equivalency
• Demonstrated experience in farming including the operation of tractors and other farm equipment; orany equivalent combination of training andexperience.
• 1- 3 years’ experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of practical farm operations, such as plowing, planting, irrigation, fertilizing, cultivating, and harvesting of crops is a must. It is of utmost importance that technicians minimize downtime, ensure equipment runs efficiently, and optimize production.
• Effective communication skills are essential for functioning efficiently and productively in this team-oriented environment; skills in cattle handling; problem solving skills; mechanical skills; attention to detail.