Farm Assistant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Farm Attendant (Yuma, AZ)
Posting Number
req26543
Department
Yuma Agricultural Center
Department Website Link
https://experimentstation.arizona.edu/yuma-agricultural-center
Location
Yuma
Address
6425 W 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 USA
Position Highlights
The Yuma Agricultural Center is seeking a skilled and organized individual to fill the position of Farm Attendant (Agriculture Worker II).
This position performs skilled irrigation operations and supports agricultural field activities to promote efficient crop production. The incumbent manages and maintains water delivery systems, including coordinating with irrigation districts and ensuring proper functionality of irrigation infrastructure. This position also operates tractors and a variety of agricultural equipment to assist with field preparation, planting, and cultivation, and collaborates with farm staff and external partners to support irrigation needs and research initiatives at the Yuma Agricultural Center.
The Yuma Agricultural Center has two sites: a Valley Farm four miles west of Yuma and a Mesa Farm four miles south of the city. The 274-acre Valley Farm serves as the headquarters for the Yuma Agricultural Center and supports investigations for diversified range of crops, including cotton, small grains, and vegetables, such as lettuce and broccoli. The 240-acre Mesa Farm has been primarily focused on citrus production throughout its history, and more recently, has provided a testing ground for commercial soil amendment technologies designed to support soil health and reduce water-use.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
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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Duties & Responsibilities

• Undersupervision, operate, monitor, and maintain irrigation systems includingfurrow/flood, overhead sprinklers, micro-sprinklers, and drip systems.
• Coordinate andcommunicate with irrigation district ditch riders to secure water deliveriesfrom main canals.
• Assist withmanaging irrigation pumps, set gates, and adjust flow rates to ensure properwater distribution and efficiency.
• Evaluate soilmoisture and field conditions to optimize irrigation scheduling.
• Assist withinstalling and managing irrigation infrastructure including sprinkler pipesetup, drip tape injection, and system layout adjustments.
• Applyfertilizers through irrigation (fertigation) in accordance with crop andresearch requirements.
• Assist withconducting routine maintenance of irrigation systems and canals, includingcleaning, repairs, and debris removal to ensure proper functionality.
• Maintainaccurate irrigation records and logs of water usage and applications.
• Operatetractors and implements to support land preparation activities such as disking,listing, and light leveling.
• Assist withGPS-guided equipment when needed and ensure safe, efficient machinery operationin support of irrigation and field activities
• Assist withplanting, bed preparation, and cultivation using tractors and specializedimplements.
• Support cropmaintenance activities and field operations to ensure proper crop establishmentand growth.
• Assist withharvesting, research plots, road maintenance, and general farm duties.
• Perform basicequipment checks, report issues, and help maintain a clean and safe workenvironment.

Knowledge,Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of avariety of cultivating equipment for specific crops.
• Strongunderstanding of land preparation techniques and best practices.
• Ability tooperate heavy machinery safely and effectively.
• Ability tocommunicate 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.
Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with precision agriculture tools and technology.
• Previous experience with all aspects of farming and farming operations.
• Experience operating farm equipment.

FLSA
Agricultural Exemption
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Agriculture and Extension
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$16.50 - $20.63
Compensation Type
hourly rate
Grade
3
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
OC2
Job Family
Agriculture
Job Function
Agriculture & Extension
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
8/3/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Samuel Discua Duarte, Director Yuma Agricultural Center
sdiscuaduarte@arizona.edu
Open Date
7/16/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.