Campus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the flagship institution in the University System of Maryland. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify you from employment.
Vaccine Protocol
The University of Maryland has made the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University requires that students, faculty, and staff on the UMD campus be vaccinated against COVID-19. As a prospective and/or a new employee at UMD, you will be required to comply with the University’s vaccination protocol. Proof of full vaccination will be required before the start of employment in order to work at any University of Maryland location. Prospective or new employees may seek a medical or religious exemption to the vaccination requirement at return.umd.edu and must have an approved exemption prior to the start of their employment. Failure to provide proof of vaccination or to obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption will result in the offer of employment being rescinded.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
Responsible for assisting facility manager in the day to day operations and for maintenance of farm and specialized agricultural research equipment. Work with manager to coordinate activities for researchers and others performing research and extension activities at the facility. Carry out field work – tilling, planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvesting—for traditional and non-traditional agricultural crops and research plots.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
High School Diploma or GED

Experience:
Three years on agricultural research utilizing scientific methods.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Comprehensive knowledge of farming practices and equipment usage.
Thorough knowledge of and ability to use scientific methods and related laboratory equipment in agricultural research.
Thorough knowledge of mathematics including algebra, area, volume, weights, measures, and proportions and ability to perform mathematical calculations.
Thorough knowledge and skill in the use of farm equipment.
Ability to provide guidance and training to agricultural technicians and workers; to use computers; 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 work in extreme weather conditions; to wear and work in personal protective equipment.

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.
Preferences:
Preferred:
General knowledge and understanding of basic agricultural procedures, conservation practices,entomological problems, research protocols, and basic field plot design.
Knowledge of nutrient management regulations.
Ability to handle small and large-scale farm equipment
Possess some degree of mechanical and carpentry skills;
Possess skills to calculate and calibrate sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, planters, and harvesting equipment;
Possess the skills to operate agricultural equipment with computerized yield measuring equipment and GPS
Knowledge of EPA regulations for biotech crops and the ability to interpret and follow requirements/restrictions on research plots.
Good communication skills, both written and oral, and be able to interact with staff, researchers, vendors, general public, and others.
Additional Certifications:
Required:
Maryland Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – or obtain within six months of employment
Maryland Public Agency Applicator’s Certificate – or obtain within 18 months of employment


Additional Information:
Job Risks Medical Clearance for Driving a Vehicle (ex Commercial Drivers License), Respiratory Protection
Physical Demands
Heavy lifting; extreme weather conditions, hazardous materials, working environment may have allergens — dust, mold, grasses, etc. Must wear and work in personal protective clothing.