Agriculture Worker III (Maricopa, AZ)

The Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC) strives to be at the forefront of disciplinary field investigations, as well as develop, deliver and service the best integrated agricultural technologies. Home to the USDA ARS Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, MAC's main focus is on cotton, small grains, alfalfa, and new specialty crops that could be used to provide fibers, oils, pharmaceuticals, and other biological products. MAC provides a community hub for Cooperative Extension and 4-H agricultural literacy programs including a hands-on Agventure demonstration area available for school and group tours. The facility also provides a plant diagnostic lab, cactus garden, demo garden and orchard provided by the Master Gardener program.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Operate a wide variety of farm equipment including tractors, cotton pickers, combines, backhoes, etc, including adjusting the machinery as needed, and understanding when to adjust the machinery.
• Work with GPS guidance systems, operating and navigating the controls, for all crop aspects.
• Operate Case IH program tractors with advanced electronic controls, and responsible for setting all flow rates and controls from the touch screen.
• Assist in all stages of planting, fertilizing, cultivating, and harvesting of field crops.
• Use compound slopes and calculate percent slope in relation to field length in laser leveling fields.
• Performs minor repairs and maintenance operations of farm equipment.
• Conduct applications of fertilizers, herbicides, and other chemicals and pesticide application after training, as approved by manager.
• Occasional hand weeding and other tasks as assigned.
• Assist with flood and sprinkler irrigation of crops.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of a variety of cultivating equipment for specific crops.
• Strong understanding of land preparation techniques and best practices.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery safely and effectively.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Previous experience with all aspects of farming and farming operations.
• Experience operating farm equipment.