Head Soils and Plants Technician

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Head Soils and Plants Technician
Job Category	AFSCME Local 888
Department	SEBS - Cream Ridge
Overview	The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics. In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Head Soils and Plants Technician at the Rutgers Specialty Crop Research and Extension Center within School of Environmental and Biological Sciences located in Cream Ridge, NJ. Among the key duties of the position are the following: Guides and instructs a group in diverse duties involving the layout and operation of land and experimental equipment pertaining to the research and development of soils and plants. Performs any duties of the group.
Position Status	Full Time
Hours Per Week
Daily Work Shift	Day
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
FLSA	Nonexempt
Grade	16
Position Salary	Contracted Salary - Contingent Upon Step.
Annual Minimum Salary	41653.500
Annual Mid Range Salary	49085.180
Annual Maximum Salary	56516.850
Standard Hours	40.00
Union Description	AFSCME - Local 888
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Benefits	Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview .
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a high school/vocational school education or equivalent, plus three years experience in agriculture involving the use of chemicals, plot preparation, harvesting, handling research data and the use and repair of farm equipment and machinery. An equivalent combination of related vocational/technical, junior college, college level courses, and related experience may be substituted for the above experience.
Certifications/Licenses	Must have or be willing to obtain within six months of employment a valid NJ Pesticide Applicator License. Requires a valid driver’s license and two years driving experience. Will be required to successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Requires the ability to initiate and complete assignments; read and understand research level plant science instructions, demonstrated ability to communicate with faculty and staff in writing and orally, physically be able to move from field to field via walking and motorized vehicles, lift heavy farm objects, and tolerate seasonal outdoor farm environment. Also requires accurate communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications	Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field and working knowledge of general horticultural practices, in particular vegetable, small fruit, tree fruit, agronomic crops, pest management, and the production practices of commercial growers.
Equipment Utilized	Various commercial farm equipment (tractors, implements, sprayers, irrigation systems, etc.).
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Physical demands include working outside in cold, hot, humid, wet, rainy, and muddy conditions. Must be able to perform multiple, concurrent tasks under deadline pressure. Requires ability to lift 50 pounds and adjust work schedule to address agricultural research activities including early morning or late afternoon hours.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	24ST0552
Posting Open Date	03/07/2024
Special Instructions to Applicants	Notice to AFSCME Local 888 union members ONLY: To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday 03/15/2024, . Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Off Campus
City	Cream Ridge
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 60.1.35 Immunization Policy for Rutgers Employees and Prospective Employees , Rutgers University requires all prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to commencement of employment, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to receive an updated (bivalent) vaccine dose. Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement