Farm Assistant III, Newark Farm

Pay Grade: 27N

Please note: This is a 40 hour/week position.

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Under limited supervision of the Crops Unit Manager, the Farm Assistant performs and coordinates farm operations, maintenance work and repairs on University farm equipment, vehicles, machinery and buildings including heating, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, mechanic and masonry work. The Farm Assistant is responsible for maintaining inventory, records of tools and equipment and safety procedures at various Newark Farm locations. The principal emphasis is on farm operations related to crop production, which includes hands-on and supervisory activities as well as assisting researchers in collecting data and instructing or training staff. Independent judgment is required to assess, prioritize and schedule jobs. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in planning and implementing of scheduling of farm operations and maintenance and repairs of machinery and buildings.
• Takes appropriate action regarding emergency repairs or replacements regarding equipment and vehicles.
• Ensures that safety procedures are followed.
• Builds new equipment for experimental use.
• Performs plumbing work including repairs and replacement of faulty equipment.
• Responsible for checkout, use and security of shop tools and equipment.
• Operates and maintains complex farm equipment and tools such as self-propelled harvesting equipment.
• Provides assistance to researchers in conducting experiments and collecting experimental data.
• Provides assistance to other Newark farm units when coordinated through manager.
• Produces forage crops and grains.
• May train, instruct and supervise staff or student workers.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS/OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:

The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid conditions. Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED with five or more years of extensive machinery, supervisory and farm-operations experience.
• Knowledge of general practices and operations of equipment as well as advanced and comprehensive knowledge of heating, plumbing, electrical, carpentry and masonry work.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability and willingness to learn and accept new ideas, techniques and responsibilities.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Basic computing skills, with ability to use email, internet, and MS Office software such as Word and Excel. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

With or without assistance, must be able to routinely lift up to 50 pounds. Must be able to work in cramped areas and positions for extended periods of time, climb ladders in excess of 50 feet, and work above floor level or in pits. May be required to maintain a valid CDL A, B or C operator's license. Employment is dependent upon passing a University-specified medical evaluation related to the use of respiratory protection equipment. May be required to obtain and maintain a valid pesticide applicator's license.