AGRICULTURAL TCHN PRN (Principal Agricultural Technician)

Job Summary

Under direction of the Ag Manager 1, provide support & assist in management of operational and cultural practices in Core & Orchard Park Greenhouses consisting of 75,000 feet of research greenhouses. Perform specialized tasks including fertilization & irrigation, fertilization, pest control, hydroponic engineering design & construction. Consult with faculty, staff & students regarding research needs. Direct the work of undergraduate students.

Position Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Move & lift bags of fertilizer weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Work at heights over 10 feet.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Maintain a valid Qualified Applicators Certificate.
• Maintain valid drivers’ license to drive university vehicle. 
• Wear protective clothing & safety mask/hood.
• Work in an area where exposure to pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides is possible.

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 in variable greenhouse conditions including high temperatures, high humidity environments, and tight greenhouse areas.
• Position required to safely apply pesticides using backpack sprayers, weed sprayers and related equipment in compliance with policy and procedures as defined in UC regulation manual.
• Ability to work with constant interruptions; time constraints and workload set by university, department, and faculty.
• Work occasional overtime, weekend & holidays

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

Minimum Education/Experience

• Experience with greenhouse practices relative to growing and maintaining crops in greenhouses

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

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Skills to monitor for pests, and appropriately apply pesticides using proper safety procedures & methods of application.

• Skills to operate, train, lead & delegate duties to staff and supervise the use of: greenhouse controls, recorders, thermometers, timers, fertilizer injection equipment, de-ionizing equipment, electric carts, autoclaves, shop tools, and other equipment used for research & teaching.

• Skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and mechanical skills to perform minor repairs on equipment for proper greenhouse and irrigation system operation.

• Skills to operate all types of irrigation equipment: drip systems, sprinkler systems, and hand watering; and operating basic greenhouse equipment: sprayers, soil mixers, and related equipment

• Computer skills to record and maintain records for soil use and greenhouse conditions, and equipment maintenance.

Preferred:

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, facility service personnel, and outside vendors.

• Organizational skills to determine priorities and make decisions based on Department and University policy; to organize work and work space in an orderly and efficient manner; and to maintain accurate records.

• Knowledge of UCD Policy & Procedure Manual, California Department of Food Agricultural Pesticide Regulations, Pesticide labels, MSDS, Manuals, and other pertinent directives and guidelines.

• Skills to operate standard greenhouse & agricultural field equipment.

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 is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.