Farm Technician
CAL POLY CORPORATION
San Luis Obispo, CA
Full-time
Mechanic/Technician
Posted on January 20, 2018
JOB Description Summary Under the general supervision of the Plant Science Operations Manager, this position will work with department staff, faculty and students, providing facility and production support to the Horticulture and Crops Units, including the Strawberry Center and Agricultural Operations. Duties involved with the position include equipment operation, supervision, irrigation, irrigation maintenance, planting, crop and field management, harvesting, fence building and repair and general pest control in conventional and certified organic systems. Minimum Qualifications High School degree or equivalent Five (5) years of farm work experience in crop production, including conventional and organic row crop production systems, irrigation, and the operation of a variety of farm equipment. Demonstrated knowledge of greenhouse/nursery propagation techniques Ability to operate two and four-wheel drive vehicles (including off-road travel), ATV, bulldozer, backhoe, wheel tractors, irrigation lines and pumps preparation, planting, cultivating, and harvesting equipment, such as baler and swather Prior experience in equipment repair and maintenance Ability to prioritize, plan, organize, and meet time lines Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy Ability to use a computer and computer software used for crop production Ability to provide effective training on safe operation and use of a variety of equipment Work under adverse conditions, including outdoor work in all weather Ability to read, interpret and work from plans, drawings, and technical manuals As requested by the supervisor, must be willing and able to respond to emergency situations that may arise in the evenings, weekends or holidays Must possess a valid Class A California Driver's license with a driving record acceptable to our insurance company underwriters and comply with state/federal requirements Ability to apply pesticides and possess a Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) or Qualified Applicators License (QAL) for pesticide applicators (or ability to acquire within 6 months) A background check is required for all regular benefited positions 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 Preferred Qualifications Associates or Bachelors' degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in the field of agriculture (horticulture, agronomy, entomology, plant pathology, soil science, or similar field) Physical Demands Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone Dexterity of hands, fingers, and wrist to operate a computer keyboard and calculator Seeing to read a variety of materials Sitting or standing for extended period of time Physical agility to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height Physical agility to lift, carry, push, or pull objects Work under adverse conditions, including outdoor work in all weather Typical Essential Functions Perform a variety of general farm labor tasks, including but not limited to the following: - installation of agricultural water and irrigation systems, - installation of water storage facilities, - operations associated with plant nutrition, - operations associated with waste management, - general pest control in conventional and organic systems, - mowing and fence repair Identify and resolve problems that arise, such as broken water lines, broken fences, or machinery that does not operate correctly Perform routine daily servicing of farm vehicles and equipment Perform and provide support for the preparation of land for crop production Perform and provide support for the irrigation of field crops and greenhouses Provide direction and supervision to student assistant crew(s) Operation of equipment, including vehicles with a manual transmission, two and four-wheel drive (on and off-road), ATV, wheel and track laying tractors, backhoe, skid steer, forklifts and loaders Lift and move items such as bales of hay, fencing materials, bags of seed, fertilizer, feed supplements and farm equipment generally weighing 50 pounds or more Provides for access and support for instructional, research, and production activities Respond to emergency situations that may arise in the evenings, weekends or holidays to assist in Agricultural Operations and frost protection, as requested by the supervisor Apply pesticides (QAC or QAL) Work with the Strawberry Center, other departments and Agricultural Operations under the direction of the Farm Manager or Department Head Perform other duties as assigned Special Instructions to Applicants Cal Poly Corporation provides excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, paid sick leave/vacation and holidays. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check, educational and employment verification, and reference check, as required. AA/EEO/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer Posting Detail Information Open Date 01/17/2018 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes
