AGRICULTURAL TCHN PRN (Agricultural Tchn PRN)

This position works under the direction of the Ag Manager and Ag Supervisor in providing weekend and holiday oversight, performing routine and technical support, facility and maintenance, and pest and weed control for the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences’ 184,314 sq. ft. of controlled environment research greenhouses and associated structures at five locations on the UC Davis Campus. Perform specialized tasks including fertilization & irrigation, fertilization, pest control, hydroponic engineering design & construction. Consult with faculty, staff & students regarding research needs.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• This position requires the use of a respirator and is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy.
• Employee regularly lifts fifty-pound bags of fertilizer and occasionally climbs ladders and step stools.
• Exposure to hot and humid conditions is common in greenhouses.
• The job requires frequent exposure to the outdoor environment and all the extremes that may entail.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

https://ucdavispolicy.ellucid.com/documents/view/271

• Work weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime.
• Must wear appropriate and required personal protective equipment, when applying pesticides, which may include rain gear and the use of a respirator.
• Subject to temperature and humidity extremes of greenhouses and the weather outdoors.
• A valid CA driver’s license required for picking up supplies/equipment using University vehicles.
• Required to participate in DMV pull notice system.
• Occasionally work at heights over ten feet. Interact positively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Additional Minimum License/Certification

• California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicators Certificate or License (QAC/QAL) OR ability to obtain within 6 mo. of hire.

• Valid forklift certification OR ability to obtain within 6 mo. of hire.

Minimum Education/Experience

• 3-5 years experience with greenhouse or closely related practices relative to growing and maintaining crops.

• Experience with building systems and heir proper operation.

• Experience with planting, pruning, seeding, propagation, care, maintenance of a wide range of plants.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Skills to operate, train and supervise the use of greenhouse environmental controls, irrigation controllers, timers, fertilizer injection equipment, drying ovens, shop tools and other equipment and supplies used for research and teaching.

• Knowledge of recognized horticultural practices relative to growing crops in greenhouses including watering, fertilizing, pruning, transplanting,
•  
• Skills to maintain, repair, and construct various tools and equipment for greenhouse operations and skills to operate general construction tools and common greenhouse and agricultural field equipment.

• Skills to recognize, identify common greenhouse pests and diseases and safely apply pesticides to control target organisms while minimizing hazards to humans, plants, and beneficial organisms

• Skills to lead, train, and delegate duties to students. Ability to work with culturally diverse group of people.

Preferred:

Preferred Education/Experience     

• Experience in plant taxonomy, propagation and specific plant care for broad range of crops.

• Experience with greenhouse systems and controls

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Knowledge of California Department of Pesticide Regulation laws and regulations, pesticide labels, SDS, manuals, directives, and guidelines.

• Plumbing and mechanical skills sufficient to assemble, troubleshoot, and repair fertilizer injectors, automated irrigation systems, lighting, pesticide sprayers, and some building systems

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check

This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks. 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re solving life’s most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don’t just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds, and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected . The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. 

For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit:  https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20 .  

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination .