Agricultural Technician Supervisor
UMD Wye Research & Education Center
Queenstown, MD
Full-time
Management
Posted on November 10, 2022
Unit: AGNR-AES-Wye Research & Education Ctr
Summary/Purpose of Position
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Part of a team that performs various field activities associated with typical horticulture farm operations. A hands-on working supervisor of the Ag Tech Lead and seasonal ag workers will ensure projects are conducted correctly and efficiently. In partnership with Program Manager, determines work priorities, plans schedules, assigns, reviews and evaluates work.
- Provides research support for graduate students, extension and academic department faculty. Consulting on plot layouts, paying close attention to details when documenting research results, retrieving, recording and summarizing data from various devices.
- Performs technical activities related to vegetable crop production. Crops to included but not limited to; grapes, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, pumpkins and watermelons. Field work to include but not limited to; planting, trellising, weeding, laying plastic and harvesting. Operate and provide general maintenance on tractors, mowers, rototillers, air blast sprayers and manual tools. Performs nutrient and pesticide application with traditional and non traditional application equipment. Collects data from the weather station.
- Follow UMD procurement procedures when purchasing with and without a purchasing card and follow travel policies when traveling. Attend tradeshows, expos, workshops and training to increase knowledge base and earn required credit needed for certifications.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Bachelor’s degree in studies related to horticulture.
- Comprehensive knowledge of farming practices particularly in regard to fruit and vegetables and farm vehicle operation and general maintenance.
- Attention to detail and competency with the use of mathematics and geometry to perform equipment calibrations, to determine areas, volumes, weights, proportions, conversions, and ability to perform mathematical calculations.
- Ability to use computers, spreadsheets, word documents, Google cloud platform and AG Software.
- Valid Maryland Noncommercial Class C or equivalent driver’s license.
- Maryland Public Agency Applicator’s Certificate, obtained within the first year of employment.
- Maryland Nutrient Management Certification, obtained within the two year of employment.
- Certified Crop Adviser Certification, obtained within 3 years of employment.
Hiring Range Minimum: $47,951
Hiring Range Maximum: $57,541