Soils And Plant Technician

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Soils and Plant Technician Job Category AFSCME Local 888 Department SEBS - Cream Ridge Overview

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions. We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics.

In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Soils and Plant Technician for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Performs duties involving layout and operation of land and experimental equipment pertaining to the research and development of soils and plants.

• Collects and records experimental data and assists in laboratories as needed.

Position Status Full Time Hours Per Week Daily Work Shift Day Work Arrangement

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

FLSA Nonexempt Grade 14 Position Salary Annual Minimum Salary 38182.270 Annual Mid Range Salary 44972.190 Annual Maximum Salary 51762.110 Standard Hours 40.00 Union Description AFSCME - Local 888 Payroll Designation PeopleSoft Benefits

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. For details, please go to http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.

Seniority Unit Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month Position Pension Eligibility PERS

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a high school/vocational school education or equivalent, plus one year of field experience in agriculture involving the use of chemicals, plot preparation, harvesting, handling research data and the use and repair of farm equipment and machinery.
• A combination of related vocational/technical, junior college, or college level courses in agriculture and six months experience can be substituted for the above experience.

Certifications/Licenses

• Must have or be willing to obtain within six months of employment a valid NJ Pesticide Applicator License.

• Requires a valid driver's license and two years driving experience.

• Will be required to successfully complete the Rutgers Defensive Driving Course.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires the ability to initiate and complete assignments: read and understand research level plant science instructions, demonstrated ability to communicate with faculty and staff in writing and orally, physically be able to move from field to field via walking and motorized vehicles, lift heavy farm objects, and tolerate seasonal outdoor farm environment.

• Good communication skills required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, preferably in horticulture or agronomy.

• Research farm experience related to plant growing. Licensed for pesticide application to agricultural crops.

• Certification in good laboratory practices (GLP) for non-clinical laboratory studies that conform to regulations and best practices established by key regulatory agencies, such a as IR4, is preferred.

Equipment Utilized

• Tractors of various size, roto-tillers, various soil preparation implements, mowers, chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, string trimmers, various spray equipment, leaf blowers, irrigation systems and various power tools.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Requires the ability to work under extreme environmental conditions, including the winter and summer months.

• Must be able to tolerate high levels of pollen and dust.

• Must be able to work in the hot humid conditions of farm fields and greenhouses.

• Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

• Must be able to climb and work on a ladder.

• Must be able to walk the fields and greenhouses for work and inspection.

Special Conditions

• Must be able to adjust work schedule to address farm issues that arise out of the normal work day, including early morning and late afternoon hours, as well as occasional weekends.

Posting Details

Posting Number 24ST0903 Posting Open Date 04/18/2024 Special Instructions to Applicants

To submit an internal bid, an application must be submitted no later than 9:00 a.m. on Friday, 04/26/2024. Although AFSCME Local 888 members have priority consideration, outside applications are accepted as well.

Regional Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Off Campus City Cream Ridge State NJ Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we value diversity of background and opinion, and prohibit discrimination or harassment on the basis of any legally protected class in the areas of hiring, recruitment, promotion, transfer, demotion, training, compensation, pay, fringe benefits, layoff, termination or any other terms and conditions of employment. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• Are you currently a member of AFSCME - Local 888?

• Yes

• No

• Do you have a high school/vocational school education or equivalent, plus one year of field experience in agriculture involving the use of chemicals, plot preparation, harvesting, handling research data and the use and repair of farm equipment and machinery? A combination of related vocational/technical, junior college, or college level courses in agriculture and six months experience can be substituted for the above experience.

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Optional Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application