University of Florida is seeking an Agricultural/Food Scientist II to collaborate with faculty supervisor coordinating, implementing, and managing research and extension projects in soil science working independently on soil and plant testing laboratory procedures, supervising OPS workers and students, and managing greenhouse, laboratory, and analytic equipment at NFREC campus with some travel to on-farm locations.
Expected Compensation
Expected Salary: $50,000 annually
Commensurate with: Education and Experience
Position Type: Full-Time, Time-Limited
Position Overview
The Agricultural/Food Scientist II will work at the University of Florida’s North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) in Quincy, located in Gadsden County. This research and extension position focuses on soil science, plant nutrition, and agricultural sustainability through laboratory analysis, field research, and extension education.
This person will collaborate with immediate supervisor (faculty member) to coordinate, implement, and manage research and extension projects requiring independent work, modifying procedures as needed, and supervising activities of OPS workers, agricultural technicians, and students.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural/Food Scientist II at UF, you advance sustainable agriculture through soil science research, support Florida farmers with extension education, manage cutting-edge laboratory and greenhouse facilities, and mentor students contributing to next generation of agricultural scientists.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
As Agricultural/Food Scientist II at University of Florida, your responsibilities include:
Soil & Plant Testing Laboratory Operations
- Perform procedures typically used in soil and plant testing laboratory
- Conduct plant tissue and soil collections from field plots and on-farm locations
- Process samples including drying, sieving, and grinding
- Weigh out and apply fertilizers and related lab-grade salt and acid reagents
- Prepare samples for chemical analysis and maintain sample integrity
Physical & Analytical Activities
- Use LiCor gas exchange units for photosynthesis measurements
- Operate leaf area meters for plant growth analysis
- Conduct sap test measurements for nutrient analysis
- Use soil infiltrometers for water movement studies
- Operate Ksat and Hyprop unsaturated conductivity equipment
- Perform analytical procedures on soil and plant samples
Facility & Equipment Management
- Manage and maintain greenhouse facilities ensuring optimal plant growth conditions
- Maintain laboratory equipment and analytic instruments
- Keep current records on instrument calibrations and laboratory inventories
- Maintain lab records for UF chemical safety program
- Ensure proper functioning of assigned facilities and equipment
Chemical Safety & Compliance
- Demonstrate knowledge about laws and regulations regarding storage, handling, and application of restricted-use and other laboratory chemicals
- Ensure compliance with worker-protection standards
- Modify protocols as needed to maintain safety compliance
- Ensure supervised employees adhere to appropriate laws, regulations, and standards
- Apply chemical fertilizers and biosolids in fertility studies in fields and greenhouses
- Occasional use of stable isotope 15N for experimental purposes
Supervision & Team Management
- Supervise activities of OPS workers, agricultural technicians, and students
- Assign work and ensure completion of assignments
- Report updates to supervisor regularly
- Provide guidance and training to supervised personnel
Data Management & Analysis
- Perform data entry into spreadsheets and shared database platforms
- Conduct statistical summaries and data analysis
- Maintain accurate field and laboratory records
- Transfer data from field to online spreadsheets efficiently
Extension Education & Outreach
- Prepare internet-based educational materials for farmers and stakeholders
- Create graphs and posters for extension education
- Develop multimedia content for research dissemination
- Contribute to extension programming supporting Florida agriculture
Field & Travel Responsibilities
- Work primarily on NFREC campus with some travel to sample on-farm locations
- Drive automatic transmission pick-up truck to field sites
- Approximately 30% of time spent outdoors in field plots or traveling
- Auger holes in field plots for soil sampling
Classification Minimum Requirements
Candidates must meet ONE of the following educational requirements:
Option 1: Doctoral Degree
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Agricultural Science, Biology, or closely related field
- No additional experience required
Option 2: Master’s Degree + Experience
- Master’s degree (M.S.) in Agricultural Science, Biology, or closely related field
- PLUS one year of relevant experience
Option 3: Bachelor’s Degree + Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Agricultural Science, Biology, or closely related field
- PLUS three years of relevant experience
Licensing Requirement
- Valid driver’s license — REQUIRED
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess:
Educational Background
- Master’s degree (M.S.) or Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Agricultural Sciences, Plant Sciences, or Soil and Water Sciences
Professional Skills & Competencies
- Ability to pay attention to detail in laboratory and field procedures
- Ability to record and transfer data from field to online spreadsheets and other shared platforms
- Ability to work unsupervised and set work priorities independently
- Ability to assign work and ensure completion of assignments
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Technical Knowledge
- Knowledge of laboratory equipment operations and maintenance
- Greenhouse management expertise
- Strong computer skills including MS Office proficiency
Software Proficiency
- Fluency in MS Word for report writing and documentation
- Proficiency in Excel for data analysis and spreadsheet management
- Experience with PowerPoint for presentations
- Experience with MS TEAMS (desirable)
- Ability to create multimedia content (desirable)
Physical & Mental Requirements
This position requires:
Physical Fitness Requirements
- Physical fitness to auger holes in field plots
- Periodic lifting up to 50 pounds
- Ability to load and drive automatic transmission pick-up truck
- Ability to work in laboratory settings
- Ability to work outdoors in hot, inclement weather conditions
- Approximately 30% of time spent outdoors in field plots or traveling to field sites
Mental Fitness Requirements
- Mental fitness required for sample preparation
- Ability to operate analytic equipment with precision
- Troubleshooting capabilities in lab and field when unsupervised
- Attention to detail in data collection and analysis
Special Instructions to Applicants
Application requirements and important information:
- Required Documents: In order to be considered, you MUST upload your cover letter and resume
- Application Deadline: Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of March 09, 2026
- Position Type: This is a time-limited position
- Reposted Notice: This posting has been reposted. Current applicants are still under consideration and do not need to reapply
- Health Assessment: Health assessment required upon hire
Who Should Apply?
This agricultural research position in Florida is ideal for:
- Soil Scientists: With laboratory and field research experience
- Plant Scientists: Specializing in plant nutrition and physiology
- Agricultural Researchers: From agronomy, horticulture, or crop science backgrounds
- Recent Ph.D. Graduates: In agricultural sciences seeking research positions
- Extension Specialists: With soil testing and farmer education experience
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