Principal Agricultural Technician (AGRICULTURAL TCHN PRN)

This position works under the direction of the Ag Manager and Ag Supervisor in providing weekend and holiday oversight (Thursday-Monday schedule), performing routine and technical support, facility and maintenance, and pest and weed control for the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences' 184,314 sq. ft. of controlled environment research greenhouses and associated structures at five locations on the UC Davis Campus. Perform specialized tasks including fertilization & irrigation, fertilization, pest control, hydroponic engineering design & construction. Consult with faculty, staff & students regarding research needs.

Apply By Date March 27, 2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• California Department of Pesticide Regulation Qualified Applicators Certificate or License (QAC/QAL) OR ability to obtain within 6 months of hire. Valid forklift certification OR ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• High School Diploma.
• 5 years' experience with greenhouse or closely related practices relative to growing and maintaining plants/crops including experience with building systems and their construction and proper operation; experience with planting, pruning, seeding, propagation, care, maintenance and disposal of a wide range of plants.
• Skills to monitor crops for pests and appropriately apply pesticides using proper safety procedures & methods of application, knowledge of and skills to operate general construction tools and equipment.
• Skills to operate, train, lead and delegate duties to staff and supervise the use of greenhouse controls, recorders, thermometers, timers, fertilizer injection equipment, de-ionizing equipment, electric carts, autoclaves, shop tools, and other equipment used for greenhouse maintenance, research, and teaching.
• Skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and perform minor repairs on equipment for proper greenhouse and irrigation system operation; operate all types of irrigation equipment (drip systems, sprinkler systems, and hand watering, etc.) and operating basic greenhouse equipment (sprayers, soil mixers, and related equipment, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in plant taxonomy, propagation and specific plant care for broad range of crops. Experience with greenhouse systems and controls.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students, facility service personnel, and outside vendors.
• Organizational skills to determine priorities and make decisions based on Department and University policy; to organize work and workspace in an orderly and efficient manner; and to maintain accurate records.
• Knowledge of UCD Policy & Procedure Manual, California Department of Food Agricultural Pesticide Regulations, Pesticide labels, MSDS, Manuals, and other pertinent directives and guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• 85% - Greenhouse Operations
• 10% - Pest Control
• 5% - Personnel

Department Overview

Over 120 research and teaching greenhouses, 6 lath houses, 3 screen houses, 8 growth chambers, 1 modular farm, and related facilities totaling 190,698 square feet of managed space at over six locations on the UC Davis campus. These greenhouse complexes are Core, Environmental Horticulture, Orchard Park, Plant Pathology, West Campus, and Pomology.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $25.77/hr. - $36.06/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• UC Job Title: AGRICULTURAL TCHN PRN
• UC Job Code: 008540
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Thursday-Monday
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: SX-Service Workers
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
* UC Davis cares about building a community, which is why we provide resources to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion as well as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support our staff

Physical Demands

• Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Work weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime. Must wear appropriate and required personal protective equipment, when applying pesticides, which may include rain gear and the use of a respirator. Subject to temperature and humidity extremes of greenhouses and the weather outdoors. A valid CA driver's license required for picking up supplies/equipment using University vehicles. Required to participate in DMV pull notice system. Occasionally work at heights over ten feet. Interact positively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're solving life's most urgent challenges to bring a fuller, healthier, and more resilient world within reach. We grow from every challenge we take on and we don't just maintain - we improve. We recognize that creating an inclusive and intellectually vibrant organization means understanding and valuing both our individual differences and our common ground. The most comprehensive solutions come from the most diverse minds and you belong here. As you consider joining UC Davis, please explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education, and our latest efforts to outgrow the expected. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to be seen, our recruiting process at UC Davis fosters authenticity, diversity, and inclusion. Studies have shown that some people may not apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Each unique role at UC Davis has a set of requirements and you could be perfect for this role, or you could be perfect for the next role! Don't meet all the requirements? We still encourage you to apply! #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-JP