Agricultural Assistant I

University of Florida

University of Florida

USD 18-18 / hour

Posted on May 20, 2026

Agricultural Assistant I

Apply now Job no: 539945
Work type: Temp Full-Time
Location: Dade
Categories: Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agriculture Operations
Department:60790000 - AG-TREC-HOMESTEAD

Classification Title:

Agricultural Assistant I

Classification Minimum Requirements:

None.

Job Description:

Pest, Disease & Nutrient Management:
• Apply fertilizers, pesticides, and approved disease- and pest-control treatments following established crop management recommendations and approved research protocols.
• Calibrate and operate pesticide sprayers and fertilizer application equipment safely and accurately.
• Ensure proper application type, rate, timing, placement, and product handling as specified.
• Follow all applicable EPA, FDACS, OSHA, and UF/IFAS Environmental Health & Safety requirements related to chemical handling, application, storage, and disposal.

Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
• Operate farm machinery and equipment, including tractors, plows, harrows, rotavators, bed shapers, mulch layers, seed drills, planters, cultivators, fertilizer applicators, sprayers, mowers, plastic lifters, and related implements, following safety requirements and operating procedures.
• Operate support vehicles and auxiliary equipment such as trucks, utility vehicles, loaders, forklifts, golf carts, and trailers as assigned.
• Perform basic, routine equipment maintenance, including cleaning, lubrication, and visual inspections; report equipment malfunctions or safety concerns to supervisory personnel.

Farm Maintenance & Research Crop Management:
• Assist with farm maintenance and support crop management activities for faculty-led research projects across field and enclosed structures in accordance with assigned tasks and protocol specifications.
• Support crop establishment activities, including plowing, harrowing, leveling, bed formation, plastic-mulched bed installation, planting, transplanting, and irrigation setup as directed.
• Carry out routine crop maintenance tasks such as fertilization, irrigation, pest and weed control, and other cultural practices following established guidelines.
• Participate in harvesting and post-harvest operations, including harvesting, grading, data collection, equipment cleaning, and field cleanup.

Crop Irrigation Management:
• Assist with the installation, operation, and upkeep of irrigation systems according to established crop recommendations, best management practices, and approved research protocols.
• Implement irrigation schedules, application amounts, and system configurations as directed or according to established plans.
• Inspect irrigation systems for leaks, blockages, or wear; perform routine cleaning and minor repairs; report system issues as needed.
• Maintain irrigation activity logs and documentation as assigned.

Application Records & Compliance:
• Maintain accurate and complete electronic records of pesticide and fertilizer applications, including product names, EPA registration numbers, fertilizer grades, application rates, dates, treated areas, methods, and applicator identification.
• Ensure records are maintained in accordance with regulatory requirements and retained for the required period.
• Support compliance documentation by organizing and maintaining accessible records as directed.

Procurement & Inventory of Agricultural Supplies:
• Assist with ordering, receiving, tracking, and inventory management of agricultural supplies, including pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation materials, plastic mulch, seeds, personal protective equipment (PPE), and related items.
• Support proper handling, storage, and disposal of agricultural inputs in compliance with EPA, FDACS, OSHA, and institutional guidelines.
• Communicate supply needs or inventory discrepancies to supervisory personnel.

Essential and Other Duties:
• Participate in natural disaster preparedness and recovery activities, including frost protection, hurricane preparation and cleanup, drought mitigation efforts, and storm-related response activities, as assigned.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support research and farm operations.

Expected Salary:

$18.00 an hour commensurate with experience

Required Qualifications:
  • Pesticide applicator license, within 6 months of hire
  • Current health assessment
  • Background check
  • Valid Florida driver's license
  • Forklift Certification, with 6 months of hire
Preferred:
  • Knowledge of or experience assisting with operation of agricultural equipment (tractors, tillage implements, mowers, sprayers, irrigation systems)
    • Familiarity with basic farm, research, or field operations in an agricultural setting
    • Basic knowledge of pesticide and fertilizer handling and application practices
    • Ability to follow established procedures, instructions, and safety protocols
    • Experience performing routine manual labor and field tasks under supervision
    • Awareness of chemical safety requirements and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • Basic recordkeeping skills and ability to complete required logs or forms accurately
    • Willingness and ability to obtain required certifications or licenses within a specified timeframe, including a pesticide applicator license within six (6) months of hire (Row Crop, Agricultural Tree Crop, Greenhouse, Soil Fumigation)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. If you are claiming veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.

Health Assessment Required: Yes

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Eastern Daylight Time

Back to search results Apply nowRefer a friend

Search results

Position Department Location Closes
Agricultural Assistant I 60790000 - AG-TREC-HOMESTEAD Dade
This is a full-time hourly position in Homestead, Florida. The Agricultural Assistant I helps with farm maintenance and research crop management activities in support of faculty-led research projects conducted at the Tropical Research and Education Center, a 160-acre research and demonstration facility. The position supports crop establishment, maintenance, harvesting, and post-harvest activities in field plots and enclosed structures by carrying out assigned tasks in accordance with approved research protocols and operational procedures. Duties include operating farm machinery and equipment, assisting with irrigation system setup and upkeep, maintaining pesticide and nutrient application records, supporting procurement and inventory tracking of agricultural supplies, and participating in natural disaster preparedness and recovery activities. Work is performed under the direction of faculty or farm management staff, with an emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, reliability, and adherence to established procedures. This position is considered essential during emergencies.

Campaigns

  • Director of Development - Campaign

    Join the UF Advancement team as a Director of Development and help drive a new era of impact at the University of Florida. Express interest today and Join the UF Advancement team as a Director of Development and take advantage of a unique opportunity to combine strategic fundraising leadership, meaningful relationship building, and mission-driven impact within a leading research university environment.

  • Instructional Designer Campaign

    As an Instructional Designer with the University of Florida Human Resources, you won’t just create courses; you’ll influence how a top-tier university learns, adapts, and performs. In this role, you’ll collaborate with senior leaders, subject matter experts, and HR partners to design innovative, evidence-based learning experiences that drive measurable impact across a complex, mission-driven organization. What’s unique about our team is the opportunity to collaborate and innovate within a close‑knit community of designers, supported by an environment that encourages experimentation with emerging practices. Here, instructional design is more than production—it’s strategic. You’ll have the autonomy to shape learning solutions, apply research‑backed approaches, and explore modern methods, including AI, with the support of experienced colleagues. From leadership development to workforce transformation, your work will directly elevate employee performance and strengthen institutional effectiveness. At UF HR, you’ll find a rare combination of creative ownership and strategic influence, along with the opportunity to work across diverse topics, audiences, and formats. If you’re motivated by meaningful impact, continuous innovation, and the chance to shape learning at scale, this is where your work will matter most.

  • CLICK HERE and express interest in the 4-H Extension Agent Campaign

    Make a Statewide Impact. Lead Youth Development. Shape the Future. Join our team and gain an opportunity to design, lead, and grow a comprehensive youth development program within one of the nation’s premier land-grant university systems. This is more than a county-level role! Current opportunities in Duval, Marion and Palm Beach counties.

Current Opportunities

Position Department Location Closes
Agricultural Assistant I 60790000 - AG-TREC-HOMESTEAD Dade
This is a full-time hourly position in Homestead, Florida. The Agricultural Assistant I helps with farm maintenance and research crop management activities in support of faculty-led research projects conducted at the Tropical Research and Education Center, a 160-acre research and demonstration facility. The position supports crop establishment, maintenance, harvesting, and post-harvest activities in field plots and enclosed structures by carrying out assigned tasks in accordance with approved research protocols and operational procedures. Duties include operating farm machinery and equipment, assisting with irrigation system setup and upkeep, maintaining pesticide and nutrient application records, supporting procurement and inventory tracking of agricultural supplies, and participating in natural disaster preparedness and recovery activities. Work is performed under the direction of faculty or farm management staff, with an emphasis on safety, regulatory compliance, reliability, and adherence to established procedures. This position is considered essential during emergencies.