Short Term Temp Agriculture Technician - Horticulture

Kern Community College District; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern Community College District in California is seeking a Lab Technician to support the Agricultural Farm Laboratory, Horticulture Unit Laboratory, Mechanized Agriculture Shops and related instructional labs. You will assist with operation, maintenance, preparation of materials, and inventory management.

Under supervision, you will train student workers, manage records, ensure safety and hazardous waste disposal, and help coordinate lab activities.

Qualifications

• Associate degree with coursework in agriculture and some laboratory experience.
• Ability to operate and maintain instructional lab equipment.
• Knowledge of safety and waste disposal procedures.
• Ability to train and supervise student workers and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist in operation and maintenance of agricultural and horticultural labs.
• Prepare materials, assemble equipment, and manage inventories.
• Train students, assign work, and provide guidance to staff.
• Ensure safety, proper waste disposal, and proper record keeping.
• Drive to pick up supplies and maintain lab records.

Skills

Lab operations

Equipment operation

Inventory management

Record-keeping

Staff training

Safety compliance

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree in agriculture

Tools

Computer

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform specialized and technical duties to assist in the operation and maintenance of the Agricultural Farm Laboratory, Horticulture Unit Laboratory, Mechanized Agriculture Shops, and instructional laboratories for animal science, crop science, food science and forestry.Perform specialized and technical duties to assist in the operation and maintenance of the above instructional laboratories; prepare various materials and/or solutions for laboratory activities; assemble and install new equipment; assure efficient laboratory operations.

Assist faculty and students in the use of a variety of equipment, materials and supplies in the instructional setting; prepare and issue instructional materials and equipment for classroom demonstrations; maintain computerized records of materials and equipment utilized by students.

Maintain laboratory environment in a safe, clean and orderly condition; maintain parent stock in the greenhouses; manage livestock at the direction of supervisor; arrange for proper disposal of hazardous waste materials.

Maintain farm, greenhouse and nursery crops.

Order, receive and store supplies, materials and equipment; maintain inventories and assure adequate stock levels; drive a vehicle to pick up and purchase supplies as needed.

Adjust, clean, maintain and perform repairs to equipment; report major repair needs or arrange for repairs as needed.

Prepare and maintain various records and reports including hazardous waste reports related to laboratory operations and activities as required.

Train and provide work direction to student workers and assigned staff; assign and review work; assist in the selection of new employees.

Assist in the coordination of the use of laboratory facilities; assure the availability of appropriate supplies and equipment.

Operate a variety of equipment related to the specialized area of assignment, including. Farm and landscaping machinery.

Attend and participate in a variety of meetings and special projects as assigned.

May provide assistance and participate in planning, set up and delivery of special events related to agricultural programs; interact as needed with outside vendors and community members.

Perform related duties as assigned.Associate degree with course work in an agriculture based field with some laboratory experience. Animal science, crop science or ornamental horticulture preferred.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Operation, preparation and maintenance of an instructional laboratory.
• Principles of animal husbandry (including health and wellness), crop science, horticulture and food science.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Principles and practices of providing work direction and training.
• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques. Curriculum, goals and objectives of the department.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies.
• Proper methods of hazardous waste disposal.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Technical aspects of field of specialty.
• Operation of a variety of equipment related to the specialized area of assignment including a computer.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform specialized and technical duties to assure efficient lab operations.
• Provide information and assistance to faculty and staff.
• Properly assemble and store assigned equipment, materials and supplies.
• Issue and receive equipment and supplies.
• Maintain equipment in proper working order.
• Perform light repairs to equipment
• Maintain records related to work performed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Train and provide work direction to others.
• Assign and review the work of others.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Operate a variety of equipment related to the specialized area of assignment including a computer.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.