Job Description Summary

The Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland College Park was first established in 1888 and currently it fosters research at all levels (e.g., molecular, cellular, organismic, and ecosystem) related to sustainable food and fiber production with economic and environmental viability. Researchers within the six academic departments in AGNR and other Colleges use both campus-based research laboratories and four Research and Education Centers composed of 8 Facilities located across different land resource and physiographic regions of Maryland to conduct state-of-the-art research.

Position Summary: This position is located in Keedysville, MD. Assists and supports the Assistant Director of Operations in the daily operations of agricultural research at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center. Works with the Assistant Director of Operations to coordinate fieldwork in support of UMD faculty conducting research at the facility. Plans and carries out fieldwork; tilling, planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvesting for traditional, non-traditional agricultural crops and research plots. Operates farm equipment: farm tractors, tillage equipment, planters, sprayers, combines, and grain trucks requiring a class A commercial driver’s license. Carries out routine maintenance of equipment, grounds, and facilities. Will work independently and provide leadership to other employees when Assistant Director of Operations is absent from the facility.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Horticulture, or related field.
• Experience conducting agricultural field research.
• Ability to use, maintain and repair farm equipment and specialized agricultural equipment.

Physical Demands:
• Heavy lifting.
• Extreme weather conditions.
• Hazardous materials (pesticides and fertilizers).
• Working environment may have allergens: dust, mold, grasses, etc.
• Must wear and work in personal protective equipment.

Licenses/ Certifications:
Ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), non-commercial Class B or equivalent driver's license valid in the State of Maryland is required. Ability to obtain certification by the Maryland State Department of Agriculture as a pesticide applicator is required.

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.

OTHER: Valid Maryland Noncommercial Class C or equivalent driver's license.

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.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), non-commercial Class B or equivalent driver's license valid in the State of Maryland may be required. If required to obtain a Commercial Driver's License, employees will be subjected to drug and alcohol education and testing as required under Federal Highway Administration and the State of Maryland regulations. Certification by the Maryland State Department of Agriculture as a pesticide applicator may be required. Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical inquiries and/or medical examinations to determine ability to perform the job.

Additional Job Details

Job Risks

Medical Clearance for Driving a Vehicle (ex Commercial Drivers License), Respiratory Protection

Financial Disclosure Required

No

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

AGNR-AES-WMREC (Western Maryland)

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$51,069.00 - $61,283.00

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization.  Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice

Resources

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