University of Florida NFREC – Suwannee Valley is seeking an Agricultural Assistant I to assist in implementing vital research and extension projects including field preparation, planting, crop maintenance, sample collection, harvesting, equipment maintenance and repair, and supporting field days, workshops, and programmatic events serving the region.
Application Deadline
Applications Close: March 30, 2026 (11:55 PM ET)
Posted: March 16, 2026
Apply early — don’t miss this opportunity!
Position Overview
The Agricultural Assistant I will work as part of the farm crew at NFREC – Suwannee Valley supporting critical agricultural research and extension projects. This hands-on position involves all aspects of crop production, equipment operation and maintenance, and support for educational programming serving Florida’s agricultural community.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Assistant at University of Florida, you contribute to vital agricultural research advancing Florida farming, operate diverse farm equipment supporting crop production, gain hands-on experience across field vegetables, agronomic crops, greenhouse operations, and orchards, and work for prestigious land-grant university offering career stability and growth.
Job Responsibilities
Research & Extension Project Support
- Assist in implementing vital research and extension projects
- Perform field preparation for research trials and crop production
- Execute planting operations according to research protocols
- Conduct crop maintenance throughout growing season
- Collect samples for research analysis
- Harvest crops and process data
- Complete crop production related activities supporting research objectives
Equipment Maintenance & Repair
- Assist in basic equipment maintenance, repair, and modification for field equipment
- Service equipment according to maintenance schedules
- Perform welding repairs and fabrication as needed
- Maintain equipment in safe operating condition
Farm Crew Operations
- Work as member of farm crew supporting Center project areas
- Assist with field vegetables and agronomic crops production
- Support greenhouse crop operations
- Help with fruit and nut orchard crop management
Educational Programming Support
- Assist in supporting field days showcasing research findings
- Help with workshops educating farmers and agricultural professionals
- Support other programmatic events within NFREC – Suwannee Valley mission
- Contribute to regional agricultural education and outreach
Required Qualifications
- Ability to operate farm machinery (tractors, backhoes, combines, etc.)
- Experience with irrigation equipment operation and repair (pivot/drip systems)
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
- 2 Years of agricultural or farm operations experience
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Valid Florida Driver’s License required
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced ability to operate farm machinery (tractors, backhoes, combines, etc.)
- More than 2 years of farm equipment operation experience
- Welding and fabrication skills
- Knowledge of crop production practices
Special Requirements
- Health assessment required for this position
- Must submit cover letter and resume with application
- Application must be submitted by 11:55 PM ET on March 30, 2026
- Valid Florida Driver’s License mandatory
- If claiming veteran’s preference, upload DD 214 Member Copy 4
Who Should Apply?
- Farm Equipment Operators: With 2+ years experience seeking university research role
- Agricultural Technicians: Wanting hands-on crop production work
- Veterans: With agricultural or equipment operation background (preference eligible)
- Irrigation Technicians: With pivot and drip system experience
- Farm Workers: Ready to contribute to agricultural research and extension
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