Agricultural Assistant I in Gainesville, FL

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Perform or assist with greenhouse and field production of plants in year-round breeding trials. This work includes seed planting for plant production for field and greenhouse trials, as well as watering, fertilizing and maintaining plants throughout the entire trial season.

Assist with large scale harvesting, processing and germination tests of field-collected seeds. This work includes harvesting seeds from the field, processing and cleaning seeds, then planting the seeds for germination trials.

Make genetic crosses resulting in the production of hybrid seeds. This work includes making hand pollinations on greenhouse-grown plants, properly marking the crosses, harvesting and processing seeds and properly inventorying them for subsequent research trials.

Assist with data collection. This work includes taking physical and photographic data on plants grown in the field and greenhouses, then subsequently entering the data into our computer database. Must have basic computer skills (MSOffice).

Communicate with existing staff in both greenhouse and field settings. This position will work with faculty, permanent staff, graduate and undergraduate students conducting a wide range of experiments related to plant breeding.

$16.28 hourly

Valid Florida Driver’s License.

Ability to gain a pesticide applicators license for weed control within 90 days of hire.

• High School Diploma
• Two years’ experience growing plants in greenhouse and field locations.
• Able to lift 25 pounds on a regular basis.
• Basic knowledge of field trial installation and management
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

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.

This is a time-limited position.

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