Position Information
Job Title
Farm Technician I
Posting Number
201000705
Posting Type
Regular
Seasonal End Date
Salary Range
Hiring Range
$22.10-$33.15 per hour
Full Time or Part Time
Full Time
If Part Time, List Work Hours
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
As an integral part of a research and education team at the Strawberry Center, the Farm Technician will plan and execute farming activities necessary to conduct field research on strawberries under the supervision of the Field Research Manager. General duties for this position include land preparation, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, and other tasks necessary to farm strawberries. Efforts will be focused on research to improve the sustainability of strawberry production in California and will be closely aligned with the priorities established annually by the California Strawberry Commission.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited four-year university with an agricultural degree (horticulture, agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, etc.) or completion of four-year college degree plus two years of agricultural experience.
Must be able to occasionally lift heavy objects and wear a backpack sprayer weighing up to 50 pounds.
Obtain a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation within the first 4 months of employment.
Spanish language skills (preferred).
Ability to occasionally work long hours to meet deadlines and complete projects.
Must possess a valid Class C California Drivers license with a driving record acceptable to our insurance company underwriters and comply with state/federal requirements.
Ability to travel to strawberry production regions (e.g., Oxnard, Santa Maria, Salinas, Watsonville, Turlock, Macdoel) within California.
Ability to use standard office software applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, publishing, electronic mail, and calendaring systems.
Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision and without reminders.
Ability to lead others in managing tasks, train and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships within the campus community and with a wide range of industry personnel.
Ability to professionally interface with members of the campus, community, and public.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to maintain a variety of complex and confidential files and records.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
A background check is required for all regular benefited positions.
The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Physical Demands
Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone.
Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrists to operate a computer keyboard and various pieces of lab and field equipment.
Seeing to read a variety of materials.
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
Physical agility to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height.
Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects.
Independently commuting on an as-needed basis to travel to strawberry production regions within California.
Typical Essential Functions
Farming activities include land preparation, disking, landplaning, listing, ripping, plowing, laying drip tape, banding fertilizer, laying plastic mulch, installing irrigation and irrigating, fertilizing, planting, applying pesticides, trimming, harvesting, packing, cooling, and all other activities associated with farming strawberries.
Work with, apply and safely handle agricultural chemicals such as fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, soil fumigants, biological control agents, fertilizers and other products currently in use or for experimental purposes.
Follow proper agricultural practices to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and common-sense regarding safety.
Operate and maintain equipment: backpack and tractor-mounted spray equipment, drip and sprinkler irrigation, pumping and injection systems, tractors and implements, soil probes, etc.
Plan and execute assigned duties related to educational activities (i.e., field days, short courses, symposia, special projects, etc.).
Oversee and update student employees progress in The Strawberry Academy.
Build and maintain relationships with a diverse group of customers to ensure adequate outlets for strawberries during the season.
Order and maintain needed inventory of research and farming equipment.
Respond to emergency situations that may arise in the evenings, weekends or holidays to assist in accomplishing farming and experimental objectives.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Cal Poly Corporation provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and 14 holidays.
Employees are eligible to participate in the CPC Medical Insurance Plan offered through the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). Employees have different plans from which to choose including HMOs and PPOs. The coverage includes the employee, his/her dependents, or domestic partner. The CPC covers a large portion of the medical premium for the employee and eligible dependents.
All employees are members of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) and will contribute to their retirement; these contributions can be refunded if the employee terminates prior to retirement.
Please visit our website for additional benefits information.
https://www.calpolycorporation.org/resources/business-services/human-resources/benefits/
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required.
The California State University system (CSU) requires that students, faculty, and any employees of organizations who access campus, or any CSU facilities, to be either fully vaccinated or qualify for a medical or religious exemption. Please note if you are chosen for a position with the Cal Poly Corporation you will be asked to fill out a Vaccine Attestation once you are hired. This attestation will ask if you are vaccinated or asking for a medical or religious exemption.
This position is located on the Cal Poly University campus and is eligible for a seasonal hybrid work arrangement comprised of a minimum of three days on campus.
AA/EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer
Posting Detail Information
Open Date
08/22/2023
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Review of Applications Begin Date