Position Title:

Farm Operations Technician CL1 (id:84242)

Campus:

Orono

Department:

Cooperative Extension - OCES

Bargaining Unit:

ACSUM

Salary Band/Wage Band:

B21

Work Schedule:

40-hours per week work schedule is Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location:

Presque Isle ME

Statement of the Job:

The field and laboratory technician will conduct laboratory, field, and greenhouse research work in the areas of agronomy and plant pathology at the Aroostook Research Farm in Presque Isle, ME. Full-time, two-year, fixed-length position, 40-hours per week work schedule is Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position pays $16.84/hr.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct and support potato agronomy and pathology research primarily in the field, with some involvement in laboratory and greenhouse work.

• Operate large agricultural equipment and vehicles, and conduct field experiments, including field preparation, planting, chemical applications, harvesting, and tuber evaluation.

• Frequently apply pesticides during the growth season, conduct field maintenance and operations.

• Perform plant and disease observation and data collection, as well as data entry and report writing.

  About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits (http://www.maine.edu/about-the-system/system-office/human-resources/benefits/) for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. As a former NSF ADVANCE institution, the University of Maine is committed to diversity in our workforce and to dual-career couples.

Cooperative Extension is the doorway to UMaine expertise. For over 100 years,Extension has been putting university research to work in homes, businesses, farms, and communities — in every corner of Maine. These educational efforts focus on the Maine Food System and Positive Youth Development through 4-H programs. In addition to state offices in Orono, there is a network of county-based offices staffed by experts who provide practical, locally-based solutions for farmers, small business owners, kids, parents, consumers, and many others. Cooperative Extension actively strives to be an equitable, sustainable, purposeful and enjoyable place to work. We are interested in candidates who can contribute diverse experiences and perspectives to the department and campus

Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing UMaine is quality of life. From harbors overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to Baxter Peak, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Maine offers a myriad of natural beauty and landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures. About 90% of the state is forested with 3,500 miles of shoreline. Residents living in Maine experience all four seasons; including cold and snowy winters, short and beautiful summers, and incredible foliage changes in the fall. Forestry, agriculture, tourism and, of course, lobsters play a large role in Maine’s economy. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic and a reasonable cost of living make Maine a wonderful place to live.

Qualifications:

Required:

• A high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D).

• Valid Maine driver's license.

• Knowledge of proper use of assigned tools.

• Knowledge of farm operations and procedures for operating, inspecting, maintaining, and storing assigned equipment.

• Ability to obtain State of Maine Commercial Applicators license within 180 days of hire.

• Knowledge of safety principles related to the operation of assigned motorized equipment.

• Ability to operate assigned tools and motorized equipment safely and effectively.

• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under unfavorable conditions.

• Skill in routinely checking equipment, identifying equipment malfunctions, and performing routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment.

• Ability to maintain accurate and complete records and reports.

• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc., sufficient to exchange or convey information and to (give and) receive work direction.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Experience in driving large agricultural equipment and conducting field operations.

  Other Information:

Materials must be submitted via "Apply For Position" below. You will need to create a profile and application; upload:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position 2.) a resume/curriculum vitae 3.) contact information for three professional references

You will also need to submit the affirmative action survey, the self-identification of disability form, and the self-identification of veteran status forms. Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

Search Timeline is as follows: To receive full consideration, applications must be received by: June 14, 2024 Interviews to begin no earlier than: June 21, 2024 Tentative start date: July 15, 2024

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Length:

Other

Required Documents:

Cover Letter, References, Resume/CV