Seasonal Agricultural Workers - Turfgrass Breeding Program

Rutgers University; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, prescription drug, and dental

Paid vacation & holidays

Competitive retirement benefits

Education benefits

Life insurance

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Rutgers University is seeking Seasonal Agricultural Workers for the Turfgrass Breeding Program in the Department of Plant Biology. You will help establish turfgrass research areas on farms and greenhouses, performing tasks from watering to seed preparation, under supervision.

Required is a high school education with the ability to work in a team or independently, plus computer literacy. The role is full-time on-site, paid hourly, with potential weekend work and a temporary appointment.

Qualifications

• High school or equivalent required.
• Ability to work in a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Computer literacy required.

Responsibilities

• Watering, cutting, planting/establishing, or weeding research trials on farms and in greenhouses.
• Assist in establishment of breeding trials, tissue collection, harvest, and seed prep.
• Develops plant propagation techniques for turfgrass research.
• Assist researchers in data collection and analysis.

Skills

Teamwork

Independent work

Computer literacy

Education

High school/vocational education

Job description

Position Information

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking Seasonal Agricultural Workers - Turfgrass Breeding Program for the Department of Plant Biology within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS). The position reports to Primary Investigator (PI) or supervisor designated Field Researcher. Under supervision, helps to establish and maintain turfgrass research areas on farm which may include turfgrass nurseries, breeding crosses, field trials, and in greenhouses. Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Handles the watering, cutting, planting/establishing, or weeding research trials on research farms and in greenhouses.
• Assists in establishment of breeding trials, plant tissue collection or harvest, seed harvest/isolation/preparation/threshing and weighing.
• Develops and utilizes various plant propagation techniques.
• Assists PI or researchers in data collection and analysis.

FLSA

Nonexempt

Salary Details

$18 - $23 per hour

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

40 hours per week

Daily Work Shift

Day

Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment

Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school/vocational school education or equivalent experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work in a team environment and/or ability to work independently or with minimal supervision once trained.
• Computer literacy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in/academic exposure to/knowledge of Plant Biology, Plant Breeding, or related discipline.
• Experience working with plant care, or in an agricultural field, or farm setting.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions (rainy, windy, and/or cold temperatures) is a must.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Special Conditions

• Work week is typically a 40 hours per week from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for up to 6 months of consecutive service.
• Position may require some weekend work.
• Multiple positions available.

Posting Details

Posting Open Date: 09/14/2026

Posting Close Date: 03/14/2027

Open Until Filled: No

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Off Campus

City: Adelphia (Freehold) and North Brunswick

State: NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement