Agricultural Technician Supervisor

University of Maryland, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: College Park, MARYLAND
Deadline: 13 Dec 2022

Posting Details
Posting Details


Position Number: 103091
Title: Agricultural Technician Supervisor
Functional Title: Agricultural Technician Supervisor
Category Status: 20-Nonexempt,Regular
Applicant Search Category: Staff
University Authorized FTE: 1.000
Unit: AGNR-AES-Wye Research & Education Ctr
Hiring Range Minimum: $47,951
Hiring Range Maximum: $57,541.20
Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the flagship institution in the University System of Maryland. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Vaccine Protocol
The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University requires that students, faculty, and staff on the UMD campus be vaccinated against COVID-19. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMD, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement at return.umd.edu and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
To provide technical support for the Horticultural Crops Program at the Wye Research and Education Center.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Part of a team that performs various field activities associated with typical horticulture farm operations. A hands-on working supervisor of the Ag Tech Lead and seasonal ag workers will ensure projects are conducted correctly and efficiently. In partnership with Program Manager, determines work priorities, plans schedules, assigns, reviews and evaluates work. 
  • Provides research support for graduate students, extension and academic department faculty. Consulting on plot layouts, paying close attention to details when documenting research results, retrieving, recording and summarizing data from various devices.
  • Performs technical activities related to vegetable crop production. Crops to included but not limited to; grapes, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, pumpkins and watermelons. Field work to include but not limited to; planting, trellising, weeding, laying plastic and harvesting. Operate and provide general maintenance on tractors, mowers, rototillers, air blast sprayers and manual tools. Performs nutrient and pesticide application with traditional and non traditional application equipment. Collects data from the weather station. 
  • Follow UMD procurement procedures when purchasing with and without a purchasing card and follow travel policies when traveling. Attend tradeshows, expos, workshops and training to increase knowledge base and earn required credit needed for certifications.
Minimum Qualifications:
EDUCATION: 
  • High School Diploma or GED


EXPERIENCE: 
  • Six years progressively responsible experience in agriculture work, four years of which must have been in laboratory or field research and two years of which must have been in a lead or supervisory capacity.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of farming practices and equipment usage. 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in scientific methods and the use of related laboratory equipment. 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of and skill in the use of related farm equipment. 
  • Thorough knowledge of mathematics including algebra, area, volume, weights, measures, and proportions and ability to perform mathematical and algebraic calculations. 
  • Ability to use computers; to supervise and train agricultural technicians and support staff; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to lift and transport agricultural supplies, tools, and equipment, to climb, and to perform extensive standing and walking; to wear and work in personal protective equipment; to work in extreme weather conditions.

OTHER:
Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.
Preferences:
PREFERRED EDUCATION:
  • Bachelor’s degree in studies related to horticulture.


PREFFERED KNLOWDLEGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITES:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of farming practices particularly in regard to fruit and vegetables and farm vehicle operation and general maintenance.
  • Attention to detail and competency with the use of mathematics and geometry to perform equipment calibrations, to determine areas, volumes, weights, proportions, conversions, and ability to perform mathematical calculations.
  • Ability to use computers, spreadsheets, word documents, Google cloud platform and AG Software.
Additional Certifications:
  • Valid Maryland Noncommercial Class C or equivalent driver’s license.
  • Maryland Public Agency Applicator’s Certificate, obtained within the first year of employment.
  • Maryland Nutrient Management Certification, obtained within the two year of employment.
  • Certified Crop Adviser Certification, obtained within 3 years of employment. 
Additional Information:
Job Risks Medical Clearance for Driving a Vehicle (ex Commercial Drivers License), Respiratory Protection, Work with agents that are infectious to humans (other than Blood Borne Pathogens
Physical Demands
Position requires the ability to lift and carry heavy objects up to 60lbs. Must have dexterity in hands to use hand pruners, train vines on trellis and to pick grapes and berries. Extensive standing, walking, and bending, especially on uneven terrain. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions and be able to wear and work in personal protection equipment when required. Some after normal working hours, weekends and holidays may be required.
Posting Date: 12/29/2022
Closing Date: 12/13/2022
Open Until Filled No
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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