Agricultural Assistant II Details

Agricultural Assistant II

University of Florida - Alachua, FL

Employment Type : Full-Time

Helps manage the Beef Cattle Herd:

• Accurately records weights, calving records, etc., and maintains legible records
• Feeds cattle using various methods; assures mineral is available at all times.
• Maintains the herd, monitors health and condition, reports to supervisor regarding needed changes
• Operates chutes, scales, sprayers, feeding equipment, stock trailers, etc.
• Helps carry out and plan needed cattle work including vet care, pasture rotation, assisting in artificial insemination, applying de-wormer, fly control, calf birthing and care, veterinary procedures, etc.

Land Use Programs:

• Accurately obtain and label soil samples
• Keep fences and other facilities in good condition (making repairs when needed), and maintains headquarters and other areas in an attractive and functional manner appropriate for public visitation.
• Proper erection and maintenance of fences, roads, pens, shelters, etc.
• Observes forages for weeds and pests and controls them with various methods including spraying

pesticides as needed (including along fence rows)

• Mowing pastures
• Fertilizing and dragging pastures
• Trimming of trees
• Checking after storms for trees blown down across fences
• Land preparation, planting, and harvesting of crops

Hay and pasture production and Harvesting; Farm Equipment Operation:

• Assist maintenance mechanic in lubrication, inspection and repair of all equipment
• Notifying maintenance mechanic of needed repairs
• Assist with planning and carrying out hay making activities
• Clean equipment when jobs are finished
• Keep equipment lubricated and adjusted as required
• Accurately keep records on production
• Inspect for weeds and pests, especially fall army worms and spray when needed.

Heavy Truck and Equipment Operation:

• Responsible for operating heavy trucks and equipment including dump trucks, semis, backhoe, loaders,

dozer, forklift, etc. Includes loading trailers and securing loads.

Provides coverage and supervision of Units:

• Includes supervision of part time and OPS employees as needed
• This position is considered essential personnel in emergency situations. Responsible for helping provide coverage on weekends, holidays, and at other times when the main campus is closed

Assists in upkeep, maintenance, repair, and fabrication of facilities and equipment:

• Includes welding, pressure washing lubricating, and mechanical repairs of trucks, implements, cattle working facilities, etc.

Performs any other tasks deemed beneficial to the operation and upkeep of the units

Expected Salary:

$16.00 per hour

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to follow directions to mix feed rations
Ability to keep accurate records
Ability to follow written and oral instructions concerning research projects and agricultural tasks
Knowledge and ability to operate tractors and other farm equipment, and heavy trucks, trailers, and material handling equipment

Ability to operate chainsaws, mowers, trimmers etc.
Knowledge and ability in cattle observation and caretaking
Knowledge of general farming operations
Knowledge of and ability to perform upkeep and maintenance of grounds, facilities and equipment
Ability to weld and fabricate.
Ability to drive Semi’s, Dump Trucks, and other large equipment proficiently.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. If you are claiming veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

Will be required to obtain a Class A CDL and Restricted Use Pesticide License within six months of hire.

This position is covered by the Federal Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991. Individuals will be subject to pre-employment and continuing post-employment drug and alcohol testing.

Health Assessment Required: Yes