PAY GRADE: 26N (Farm Assistant II) / 27N (Farm Assistant III)

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The Farm Assistant provides operational and technical support for agricultural research and farm operations. The position operates and maintains agricultural, irrigation, and precision agriculture equipment; performs field operations within research plots according to established protocols and field plans; assists with equipment and facility maintenance; transports agricultural equipment and materials; and performs pesticide and nutrient applications. Work is performed in collaboration with farm management, faculty, staff, students, and researchers to ensure safe, efficient, and timely operations while maintaining research integrity.

At the Farm Assistant III level, the position performs more skilled and independent technical work, including precise research field operations, equipment calibration and troubleshooting, repair of agricultural equipment and infrastructure, and assistance with planning and coordinating farm activities. The Farm Assistant III may also provide operational guidance to seasonal employees, students, and other personnel as assigned.

The position may be filled at either the Farm Assistant II or Farm Assistant III level, based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The level and corresponding classification will be determined at the time of hire.

On-campus housing is available as part of this position and is encouraged due to the nature of the role and its proximity to farm operations. However, residing on campus is not a condition of employment, and candidates who prefer to maintain their own off-campus housing will still receive full consideration.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: (Applicable to Both Levels)

• Operate, adjust, and maintain tractors, planters, sprayers, combines, tillage equipment, specialized research machinery, and other agricultural equipment.
• Perform field operations within research plots according to established protocols and field plans to maintain plot integrity and research quality.
• Operate precision agriculture technologies, including GPS/GNSS guidance, autosteer, rate and section control, machine monitoring, computerized equipment controls, and related technologies.
• Operate and maintain irrigation systems, pumps, wells, valves, controls, and related infrastructure.
• Perform maintenance and repairs to agricultural equipment, vehicles, irrigation systems, buildings, and other farm infrastructure.
• Perform preventive maintenance and maintain required equipment, maintenance, application, and research records.
• Assist with equipment setup, calibration, adjustment, and preparation for research and production activities.
• Transport agricultural equipment, materials, and supplies using light- and heavy-duty trucks and trailers.
• Apply pesticides, fertilizers, and nutrients according to research protocols, labels, University procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Follow and promote established safety procedures and University policies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (Required for Consideration at Either Level)

• High school diploma or GED and relevant agricultural operations, machinery, or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of agricultural production practices and experience operating, adjusting, and maintaining agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to maintain and repair agricultural equipment, irrigation systems, vehicles, and related infrastructure.
• Ability to perform precise field operations and follow research protocols, field plans, application instructions, and equipment settings.
• Experience with, or ability to learn, precision agriculture technologies, computerized equipment controls, and electronic data collection systems.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks and adapt to changing weather, research, and operational conditions.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively with faculty, staff, students, researchers, and seasonal employees.
• Basic computer skills, including email, electronic recordkeeping, Word, and Excel.
• Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and Delaware Pesticide Applicator and Nutrient Management Applicator certifications preferred at hire; required credentials must be obtained within established timeframes.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS BY LEVEL:

Farm Assistant II - Grade 26N

• High school diploma or GED and three years of agricultural operations, machinery, or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience operating, adjusting, and maintaining agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to perform routine maintenance and repairs on agricultural equipment, irrigation systems, vehicles, and related infrastructure.
• Ability to follow instructions, work independently on assigned tasks, and perform work according to established procedures and protocols.

Farm Assistant III - Grade 27N

• High school diploma or GED and five years of agricultural operations, machinery, or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience operating, adjusting, calibrating, maintaining, and repairing agricultural machinery and equipment.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and experience troubleshooting agricultural equipment, irrigation systems, vehicles, and related infrastructure.
• Ability to independently organize multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, troubleshoot problems, and adapt to changing weather, research, and operational needs.
• Ability to perform precise research field operations while maintaining plot integrity and data quality.
• Ability to assist with planning, coordinating, and scheduling farm operations supporting multiple research projects and seasonal activities.
• Ability to provide operational guidance to seasonal employees, students, and other personnel as assigned.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Applicable to Both Levels)

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and meet University vehicle operation requirements.
• Must obtain and maintain a Class A CDL within six months of employment and applicable Delaware Pesticide Applicator and Nutrient Management Applicator certifications within University-established timeframes.
• Must successfully complete required medical evaluations and remain qualified to use respiratory protection.
• Must routinely lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding agricultural and maintenance work.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces, climb ladders and work at heights exceeding 30 feet, and work above or below floor level.
• Must safely operate agricultural machinery, vehicles, power tools, irrigation systems, and related equipment.
• Must work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions, including heat, cold, rain, humidity, dust, and mud, with potential exposure to agricultural chemicals, fuels, noise, and other farm-related hazards.
• Must properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection when applicable.
• Must be available outside normal business hours when required for planting, irrigation, pesticide applications, harvest, weather events, equipment failures, and other time-sensitive operations.