Agricultural Technician (Kearney REC)

Job Description

Under the general direction of the Supervisor, the Agricultural Technician will assist in training small farmers and growers on the effective use of various agricultural technologies and equipment.

Through showcases, grower field days and workshops, the Agricultural Technician will demonstrate the latest agricultural innovations from precision farming tools to advanced machinery, and will be at the forefront of empowering farmers to optimize their operations.

In addition, the Agricultural Technician will assist in delivering comprehensive training sessions to farmers on the proper use and maintenance of equipment and promote a culture of safety and reduce the risk of accidents in the field.

Additionally, the Agricultural Technician will operate a range of equipment including tractors, implements, trucks, and handheld tools as part of daily tasks, along with conducting routine maintenance and repairs as needed, promptly addressing any issues to minimize downtime.

The responsibilities will also include setting up, calibrating, and adjusting farm equipment, conducting pre-use inspections of vehicles and equipment, and participating in customer communication to provide support.

This position will manage the transportation of equipment to and from customers, conducting thorough inspections to ensure functionality and safety.

By maintaining meticulous records and coordinating logistics, uphold the commitment to reliability and professionalism.

This is a career position at 100% time with end date of September 30, 2026. Extension beyond this date pending funding.

Pay Scale : $20.20 / hour to $23.68 / hour

Job Posting Close Date :

This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 04 / 16 / 2024.

Key Responsibilities :

Equipment operations :

• Set up and operate all types of farming equipment and conduct pre-use inspections of vehicles and equipment
• Prepare grounds for demonstrations and workshops of farm equipment.
• Conduct routine maintenance checks on equipment to ensure optimal performance and longevity. This includes inspecting fluid levels, lubricating moving parts, and replacing worn-out components as needed
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions and perform minor repairs onsite to minimize disruptions to farm operations.
• Coordinate with maintenance staff or external service providers for more extensive repairs as required

Transportation and inspection :

• Transport equipment to farmers in the Central Valley region (day trips)
• Support farmers in setting up equipment and instruct in proper return of equipment
• Inspect equipment to ensure functionality and safety upon delivery and pick up.
• Ensure that all safety protocols and regulations are followed during the transportation of equipment.
• Maintain records of records and coordinate logistics, including delivery dates, condition reports, and any maintenance or repairs performed.

Keep accurate logs of mileage, fuel consumption, and other relevant metrics.

Training and Demonstration :

• Provide practical, hands-on training and guidance to farmers on the proper use, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various agricultural technologies and equipment.
• Assist in safety training and promote a culture of safety among the users of the tools and equipment.
• Demonstrate use of farming equipment in group settings.

Keep up to date on training, license certification, etc. Other tasks as assigned.

Requirements :

• Hands-on experience in agriculture or a related industry
• Skills to determine use and maintenance of equipment
• Strong understanding of small-scale farming practices
• Skills to operate hand and power tools.
• Skills to operate light and medium sized equipment and technology, including tractors
• Ability to follow all safety procedures to maintain a safe work environment
• Skills to understand and apply safe work practices for use of equipment in the Tool Lending Program
• Demonstrated skills to communicate in writing, and verbally within large and small groups to complete tasks and meet project specifications

Preferred Skills :

• Associate's degree (Bachelor's degree preferred) in agricultural / environmental / crop sciences, technology management, or in a related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Bilingual communication / translation abilities in English and Spanish / Hmong / Mien / Punjabi or other languages spoken in the community.
• Skills to interpret and understand all manuals, directives, and guidelines pertinent to job functions

Special Conditions of Employment :

• Responsibility for operating commercial vehicles, machinery or toxic systems that could result in accidental death, injury or health problems.
• Travel including travel outside normal business hours may be requested.
• Overtime and occasional weekend work as needed, usually on short notice to meet operational needs may be requested.
• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required.

Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.

The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities.

UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.

As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.

About Us

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties.

Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university.

We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state.

We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

UC ANR is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity.

We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial / ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ+ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.

This position will promote, in all ways consistent with the other responsibilities of the position, accomplishment of the Affirmative Action goals established by the Division.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

If you have questions, please email the Human Resources Department.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time.

Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

How to Apply

Internal Candidates : Review the job posting and click the internal applicant link to apply. Use the same credentials used to login to UCPath to access the internal UC ANR job postings in order to apply.

Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site. Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.

External Candidates : You must register to apply for a job or create a job search agent profile. Review the job posting and click the external applicant link to apply.

Click the 'Register Here' link and follow the steps to create the account. The system will not prompt you to register until you try to apply for a job online.

Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site. Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.