Soil Sample Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Agricultural Assistant II
Job no: 541160
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: St. Lucie
Categories: Grant or Research Administration, Veteran's Preference Eligible, Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture Operations
Department:60754000 - AG-GCREC-ENTOMOLOGY
Classification Title:
Agricultural Assistant II
Classification Minimum Requirements:
A high school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience
Job Description:
• Prepare research field plots, including soil preparation, bed formation, laying plastic mulch, installing irrigation lines, and assisting with any soil sterilization needed using ASD treatment.
• Collect plant tissue, soil samples, and insect samples at required intervals, ensuring sample integrity during transport to the laboratory.
• Maintain field plots throughout the season, including weed control, irrigation adjustments, plot repairs, and general upkeep of plant and mulch structures.
• Quantify whitefly populations using standardized methods (leaf counts, sticky traps, vacuum sampling, or visual ratings), and record population trends throughout crop cycles.
• Record field observations including plant growth metrics, disease incidence, symptom progression, whitefly abundance, and environmental conditions.
• Assist with plot layout, flagging, labeling, and mapping for experimental designs and support harvesting and post-harvest sample processing as needed.
• Maintain field-related inventories including mulch films, irrigation supplies, fertilizer, soil amendments, and field tools, and follow all safety protocols for chemical handling, equipment use, and field operations in warm/humid Florida conditions.
• Provide general logistical, maintenance, training, outreach, inventory, administrative, and non-critical research support-including organizing supplies and storage areas, basic workspace upkeep, preparing extension materials, transporting samples or supplies, maintaining small tools, training helpers, handling minor administrative tasks, assisting with non-core lab/field inventories, participating in occasional meetings or safety activities, and helping with supplemental research tasks as needed.
• Operate tractors, tractor accessories, utility vehicles, and other agricultural field equipment safely and according to UF guidelines. Apply pesticides as needed.
**Driving is required for the role in the execution of the above-listed essential functions.
Expected Salary:
27.30/hour, commensurate with education and experience
Required Qualifications:
A high school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
Must have ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Must have Pesticide applicators license.
Must have Valid Florida driver's license.
Must have Experience operating tractors and associated agricultural accessories.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in Florida weather, including heat, humidity, and sun exposure.
Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials associated with field plot preparation and maintenance.
Ability to work normal work hours of 8am-430pm Monday - Friday.
Preferred:
Bachelor's degree in agronomy, biology, plant science, entomology, plant pathology, or a related field.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please update resume and cover letter in one upload, before 11:55pm on the closing date of this job posting.
Position includes a very competitive benefits package and generous leave accruals.
This position is eligible for veteran's preference. If you are claiming veteran's preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration. See our Veteran's Preference Page for more specific information.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
This is a time-limited position.
Health Assessment Required:Yes
Advertised: 31 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 14 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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