Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Plant Sciences department head, this individual primarily oversees the orchard production areas and associated facilities, with additional responsibilities at facilities and land areas including, but not limited to the Horticulture & Crop Units greenhouses and field production areas.  The incumbent will be responsible for the orchards’ irrigation and fertilization program, including but not limited to the installation, operation, and maintenance of filtration, irrigation and chemigation systems; the orchards’ integrated pest management program, including scouting, and the appropriate selection and use of pesticides and other control measures; and environment and operational (i.e. labeling and tractor computer) systems. The incumbent will also provide services in support of instructional laboratories and research projects, including assisting faculty in the set-up of laboratory classes, providing training to faculty and students in the proper use of equipment and safe execution of orchard operations, scheduling orchard operations in concert with safe and timely access by faculty and students for lab and research projects, and providing supplies and ensuring equipment is kept in good working order. The incumbent will provide oversight and technical training to student personnel at the Crops Unit. The incumbent is responsible for performing or supervising all phases of safety and food safety training and crop production activities, maintaining department adherence to safety, food safety, fertilizer, and pesticide regulations, and maintaining records and inventory (pesticides, tools, safety equipment, etc.).

Department Summary

The Plant Sciences (PLSC) Department is a major academic unit within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES). The department is comprised of a department head, full-time faculty and part-time lecturers, support staff, 275 undergraduate majors, and a varying number of student-assistants. The facilities associated with PLSC include the Department’s Crops Unit, with 70 acres of evergreen and deciduous fruit trees and berry production, 35 acres of forage crop and annual row crop production, of which 11 acres are certified organic, and 10,000 sq. feet of greenhouse space; a 16-acre Horticulture Unit consisting of 40,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space, extensive outside production and display areas, and 7,500 square feet of shade houses; and the Leaning Pine Arboretum. The Department offers the Plant Sciences major leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. Within this major are three concentrations: Environmental Horticultural Science, Fruit and Crop Science, and Plant Protection Science.

Key Qualifications

• Ability to independently plan, prioritize and coordinate day-to-day tasks and long-term projects and complete work assignments in a timely manner.
• Knowledge of State and Federal laws and regulations related to crop and horticultural pest management and control and ability to interpret and communicate as needed to ensure that all legal aspect of pesticide application, clean-up, and storage are adhered to.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully complete technical calibrations for a variety of pesticide and fertilizer application equipment. 
• Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of agricultural machinery and other equipment employed in the production of crops.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor for crop pests; build a database and analyze results for effective pest management.
• General knowledge of the hazards of equipment operation and chemical use, and safety rules pertaining to crop production activities; including risk management U.S. EPA Pesticide Worker Protection Standards. 
• Ability to develop and maintain excellent working relationships with local, County and State Regulatory Agencies and serve as the department liaison to such agencies.
• Ability to understand organic certification. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the operation and maintenance of environmentally controlled structures.
• Demonstrated experience in the production of crops, application and record-keeping of appropriate pesticides, and general knowledge of irrigation systems and computerized systems.
• Knowledge of the principles and methods related to performing instructional and technical support services.
• Knowledge of the principles, information, methods and techniques related to horticulture and crop science.
• Knowledge of the materials and supplies related to the horticulture and crop science curriculum.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing.  Thorough knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.

Education and Experience

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in the production of field, garden, vegetable, or specialty crops (orchards, vineyards, feed crops, etc.). Equivalent to 60 semester or 90 quarter units of academic work at a recognized college or university, including agriculture and science courses applicable to the production of general field and specialty crops. (Additional specialized experience which has demonstrated that the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on the basis of one year experience for each 30 semester or 45 quarter units of accredited college work).
• The ability to fulfill within 9 months of hire the following license and categories (depending on which is missing at date hire): PCA license – and at least two categories from the following: insects, mites and other invertebrates (Category A), Weed Control (Category E), Plant Pathogens (Category B), or Vertebrate Pests (Category D); QAC – Plant Agriculture (Category D).

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,917 - $6,820 monthly

Classification Range: $4,155 - $7,519 monthly

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

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.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.