Utility Technician

AgReserves, Inc.; Ontario (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

AgReserves, Inc. is seeking a Utility Technician to support crop production by operating and maintaining irrigation systems, and safely applying fertilizers and pesticides throughout the growing season.

You will help with irrigation scheduling, recordkeeping, and equipment maintenance while ensuring safety and environmental compliance. The role may supervise crew members and requires a valid driver’s license and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• 4+ years’ experience in agricultural, irrigation or crop production duties.
• Demonstrated understanding of agronomic principles in production agriculture.
• Knowledge of fertilizer and pesticide application methods.
• Ability to learn and use irrigation scheduling tools and moisture sensors.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for equipment operation and minor repairs.
• Private Pesticide Applicator License or CCA license required or obtained within first year.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness.
• Basic math skills, including fractions and measurements.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Operate irrigation systems and basic maintenance tasks.
• Mix, set up, and apply fertilizers and pesticides safely.
• Keep clear records of applications, irrigation, and maintenance.
• Assist irrigation scheduling via soil moisture sensors and field conditions.
• Operate and perform minor repairs on farming equipment.
• Repair fertilizer and chemical application equipment as needed.
• Identify and report crop pests, diseases, and issues.
• Provide direction to crew members with guidance from FUM.
• Assist irrigation staff in identifying and fixing issues.
• Follow safety rules, environmental regulations, and company procedures.
• Communicate field conditions and progress with supervisors and team.

Skills

Agronomy knowledge

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Written and verbal communication

Teamwork and independence

Fertilizer/pesticide application

Basic math

Valid driver’s license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Private Pesticide Applicator License or Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) license

Tools

Irrigation scheduling tools

Moisture sensors

Irrigation equipment and pumps

Job description

Under the direction of the Farm Unit Manager (FUM), the Utility Technician performs skilled technical work supporting crop production activities. This position is responsible for operating and maintaining irrigation systems, safely applying fertilizers and pesticides, and supporting agronomic practices throughout the growing season. The role may provide work direction to crew members during assigned tasks and plays a key role in ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and recordkeeping requirements. Utility Technician

Responsibilities:

• Operate irrigation systems and help with basic maintenance and problem‑solving.
• Mix, set up, and apply fertilizers and pesticides safely by following labels and company rules.
• Keep clear and accurate records of applications, irrigation, and equipment maintenance.
• Help with irrigation scheduling by checking soil moisture sensors and field conditions.
• Operate farm and application equipment and perform minor repairs when needed.
• Maintain and repair fertilizer and chemical application equipment, such as tanks and pumps.
• Identify and report crop pests, diseases, and other crop issues during the growing season.
• With guidance from the Farm Unit Manager, help direct crew members during assigned work.
• Assist irrigation staff in finding and fixing irrigation system issues.
• Follow all safety rules, environmental regulations, and company procedures.
• Communicate field conditions, progress, and concerns with supervisors and team members.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED highly preferred.
• 4+ years’ experience performing similar agricultural, irrigation or crop production duties.
• Demonstrated understanding of agronomic principles in production agriculture.
• Knowledge of fertilizer and pesticide application methods.
• Ability to learn and use irrigation scheduling tools and moisture sensors.
• Basic mechanical aptitude for equipment operation and minor repairs.
• Private Pesticide Applicator License or Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) license required or obtained within the first year.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness.
• Basic math skills, including fractions and measurements.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working conditions: * The physical demands below describe what is generally required to perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

• Frequently lift, carry, move, and position materials, tools, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Perform work that involves standing, walking, climbing, and moving throughout fields, facilities, and work sites for extended periods.
• Regularly operate, control, and handle tools, machinery, equipment, and controls using hands and fingers, requiring sustained manual dexterity.
• Frequently position self to access, service, or maintain equipment and materials, including reaching, ascending or descending, balancing, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and crawling.
• Communicate clearly to get and share information and report problems or safety issues.
• Have adequate vision to safely perform work, including near and distance vision, color differentiation, depth perception, peripheral awareness, and the ability to adjust focus as needed. * The work environment below describes conditions the employee may encounter while performing this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made when appropriate.
• Frequently work in outdoor agricultural environments with exposure to varying temperatures, sunlight, wind, and changing weather conditions.
• Regularly work around agricultural machinery, vehicles, tools, and moving mechanical components.
• May be exposed to airborne particles such as dust, soil, pollen, and plant materials.
• Occasional work on uneven, muddy, slippery, or elevated surfaces, with potential exposure to vibration or electrical hazards.
• May come into contact with chemical substances, including fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and fuels, in accordance with safety procedures and training.
• Noise levels may range from moderate to loud, depending on equipment operation and task being performed.
• Work hours may vary due to operational needs and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, extended shifts, or seasonal demands.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, protective footwear, hearing protection, and respirators, will be provided as required by law and company policy. Employees are required to properly use designated PPE when tasks require it.

AgReserves, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Qualified applicants must be legally and lawfully authorized to be employed and work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship - AgReserves, Inc. is not sponsoring visas at this time.

AgReserves offers medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance coverage. Additionally, employees can contribute to an FSA, and to an employer matched 401(K). Employees can apply for Tuition Assistance for continuing education purposes. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in a discretionary profit-sharing bonus. For more detailed information please visit our benefits site: www.agreserves.com/benefits . AgReserves, Inc. complies with the current state minimum wage laws for all positions, regardless of the pay ranges posted.