**JOB NO:** 537795 **WORK TYPE:** Staff Full\-Time **LOCATION:** Marion **CATEGORIES:** Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture Operations **DEPARTMENT:** 60950000 \- AG\-PLANT SCIENCE RESEARCH \- ED **CLASSIFICATION TITLE:** Agricultural Assistant II **CLASSIFICATION 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. **JOB DESCRIPTION:** Primary responsibility is to oversee and assist with faculty field research projects at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit. This includes, but is not limited to, land preparation, test layouts, potential fumigation, plastic mulch application, crop pest scouting, determination of pest thresholds, spraying for pest control, calibration and maintenance of pesticide applicators, ensuring unit compliance with all applicable pesticide laws, and maintaining records of pesticide use. Ability to plant and harvest research trails by operating various types of planters, seeders, combines, and other harvesting equipment. Ability to operate equipment using the latest guidance systems available. (i.e., John Deere Green Star, Raven, Trimble systems). Also responsible for coordination with other agricultural assistants, senior agricultural assistants, biological scientist, research coordinators, research administration manager, IFAS faculty and extension specialists in process of reviewing current techniques, procedures, materials, and investigating new techniques, procedures, and materials to improve overall pest management at the Unit. Secondary responsibility is for performing irrigation installation and maintenance on research tests. This includes center pivots, micro jets, drip irrigation, impact sprinklers, etc. Also, to perform fertilization activities and maintaining fertilization records, soil testing and maintaining soil test records, and conveying that information to the research administration manager. Also, incumbent is responsible for crop production and maintenance throughout the growing season. This requires knowledge of crop production practices and ability to recommend appropriate production practices to solve production problems. This also requires regular scouting (minimum of 2 times per week) of all research plots for existing and potential production problems and producing scouting reports for research administration manager. The incumbent is also responsible for making recommendations to research administration manager on improved production needs and methods. Performs other duties related to research farming as required and assigned by Research administration manager. Operation of state and farm vehicles in the performance of job duties. **EXPECTED SALARY:** $18\.90/hr commensurate with education and experience **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:** 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. Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License. **PREFERRED:** A high school diploma. Ability and skill to calibrate planters. Skill to accurately record data from research plots. Skill to safely operate several different pieces of machinery and make adjustments, changes, or repairs. Ability to accurately install irrigation systems and make adjustments when needed. Ability to perform duties in a timely manner without close supervision. **SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:** In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. Must have a valid Florida Driver’s License. Working conditions can be noisy, hot and dusty at times 90% of duties are performed in research field. Some travel may be required. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Job requires, standing, kneeling, bending, climbing, stooping and walking. Four 10\-hour days, 7am to 5:30pm totaling 40 hours a week. Periodic overtime when required to meet emergencies and flexible hours with potential overnight stays. Employee may be called in for freeze protection weekend/emergency response/holiday/ greenhouse checks. Must obtain a Public Pesticide License with Ag row crop and Fumigation Certification; and Forklift Certification within 6 months of hire. 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. **HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIRED:** Yes **ADVERTISED:** 04 Nov 2025 Eastern Standard Time **APPLICATIONS CLOSE:** 18 Nov 2025 Eastern Standard Time