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Farm Attendant, Lead (Yuma) (Multiple Positions)
Posting Number
req26564
Department
Yuma Agricultural Center
Department Website Link
https://experimentstation.arizona.edu/yuma-agricultural-center
Location
Yuma
Address
Yuma, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The Yuma Agricultural Center is seeking an organized individual to fill the position of Farm Attendant, Lead (Agriculture Worker III).
This position performs advanced agricultural operations requiring a high level of technical skill in the operation, calibration, and maintenance of heavy equipment and precision agriculture technologies. The incumbent executes land preparation, planting, cultivation, and harvesting activities utilizing GPS-guided systems and specialized implements to support efficient and accurate field operations.
This position assists with overseeing the maintenance and optimization of irrigation systems in alignment with crop production objectives, and serves as a technical resource for equipment operation, and provides support for research initiatives and field activities 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!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate and synchronize tractors and cultivation equipment for crop-specific operations such as weeding, cultivation, and field conditioning.
• Calibrate implements to ensure precise application and minimal crop disturbance.
• Assist with adapting techniques based on crop type, soil conditions, and research requirements.
• Operate and precisely configure heavy agricultural equipment for land preparation, including deep ripping, chiseling, disking, plowing, and laser leveling.
• Utilize GPS-guided and precision agriculture technologies to ensure field accuracy, soil uniformity, and optimal seedbed conditions.
• Perform routine inspections, cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs to ensure equipment reliability and safety.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report mechanical or operational issues to minimize downtime.
• Perform diverse farm support activities including operating support equipment (water trucks, graders, backhoes) and assisting with research and infrastructure projects.
• Conduct routine equipment maintenance including cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs.
• Maintain accurate records of daily tractor operations, field activities, and equipment usage.
• Identify and report equipment issues to ensure operational efficiency, safety, and compliance.
• Prepare planting beds using advanced tractor-mounted implements and GPS auto-guidance systems.
• Perform listing and bed shaping operations to achieve consistent row spacing and alignment.
• Monitor and adjust equipment in real time to maintain precision standards.
• Operate and maintain harvesting equipment specific to multiple crops (e.g., combines, cotton pickers, swathers, forklifts, and transport vehicles).
• Ensure efficient harvesting operations while maintaining crop quality and minimizing losses.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of a variety of cultivating equipment for specific crops.
• Strong understanding of land preparation techniques and best practices.
• Ability to operate heavy machinery safely and effectively.
• Ability to communicate 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 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according tothe 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
$18.15 - $22.69
Compensation Type
hourly rate
Grade
4
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
OC3
Job Family
Agriculture
Job Function
Agriculture & Extension
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
2
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Angelica Gomez, Business Manager
angelicag1@arizona.edu
Open Date
7/27/2026
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.