The University of Florida’s Hastings Agricultural Extension Center (HAEC) is hiring an Agricultural Assistant II in St. Johns County, Florida. This hands-on, full-time role combines general farm research support with specialized duties as a Row Crop Spray Technician and educational Extension event coordinator. You will work directly alongside the Farm Manager and Farm Supervisors to carry out field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments, manage integrated pest management programmes, maintain irrigation systems, and support impactful Extension educational events — all within one of Florida’s most respected public university agricultural research networks.
About the University of Florida HAEC — Research Excellence in Florida Agriculture
Institution: University of Florida — a leading public research university and Florida’s land-grant institution
Facility: Hastings Agricultural Extension Center (HAEC) — multi-subunit agricultural research and extension facility in St. Johns County
Mission: Conduct agricultural research and deliver Extension education to support Florida’s farming communities and food systems
Equal Opportunity: UF is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer — Veteran’s preference is honored for eligible applicants
Benefit: Salary commensurate with education and experience — competitive public university compensation package
Why Work as an Agricultural Assistant at UF HAEC?
Meaningful Work: Contribute directly to real university agricultural research and community Extension education programmes
Career Stability: Full-time permanent public university position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience
Skills Development: Gain hands-on experience in IPM, pesticide application, irrigation systems, crop management, and agricultural research
Veteran Friendly: This position is eligible for Veteran’s preference — upload your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application
Position Overview
This Agricultural Assistant II position at the University of Florida’s HAEC facility in St. Johns County is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week on-site role that combines three distinct areas of responsibility: general agricultural research and farm operations support, Row Crop Spray Technician duties covering integrated pest management (IPM), and support for Extension educational events and programs. You will work directly with the Farm Manager and Farm Supervisors to perform field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments; apply herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers; maintain irrigation and sprinkler systems; manage IPM documentation; and help deliver Extension Field Day events that connect university research with Florida’s agricultural community. A valid driver’s license is required, and the role may involve flexible scheduling including occasional early morning, 4-10 shifts, or evening availability for Extension activities. Applications close June 30, 2026 at 11:55 PM ET — apply early to secure your consideration.
Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Assistant II at UF HAEC, you contribute to research and Extension education that directly shapes agricultural practices and food systems across Florida and beyond, build rare and highly marketable hands-on skills in integrated pest management, crop science, irrigation systems, and university research farm operations, work alongside leading agricultural researchers and Extension specialists at one of the USA’s top land-grant universities, enjoy the job security and benefits of a full-time public university position with veteran-friendly hiring practices, and make a genuine difference in the agricultural communities that depend on UF Extension programmes for practical, science-based guidance.
Key Responsibilities
General Agricultural & Farm Research Duties
- Perform in-field procedures using a variety of farm equipment for field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments across HAEC sub-unit facilities
- Maintain accurate and detailed records on crops, plants, experiments, and weather conditions to support ongoing university agricultural research
- Document crop and weather conditions and recommend optimal timing for planting, cultivation, and harvesting based on field observations
- Coordinate the maintenance and operation of farm equipment, maintain roads and grounds, and manage farm supplies and materials
- Serve as co-lead for farm construction and maintenance projects, and may train other workers in farm tasks and procedures
- Install, maintain, and repair all irrigation and sprinkler systems to ensure consistent and efficient water management across all crop areas
- Serve as essential personnel during weather emergencies — prepare facilities pre-storm, provide protection during events, and lead initial recovery efforts
Row Crop Spray Technician — Integrated Pest Management
- Oversee daily integrated pest management (IPM) operations across all HAEC subunit facilities as the primary Row Crop Spray Technician
- Perform chemical and fertilizer applications on assigned areas targeting weeds, insects, and plant diseases using appropriate herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide mixtures
- Apply dry, granular, and liquid fertilizers to turf, ornamental, horticultural, and agronomic crops in compliance with all regulatory and product requirements
- Monitor the health of all assigned areas, plants, insect populations, and disease pressures on an ongoing basis and report findings to management
- Maintain all required documentation per Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulations and university policies and procedures
- Ensure all chemical storage, transportation, and disposal activities are fully compliant with state regulations and product label requirements
- Prepare disease plant samples for laboratory submission and analysis, and co-supervise all unit spray applicator equipment resources
Educational Extension Event Support
- Work directly with the Assistant Director, Farm Manager, and Farm Supervisors to structure and promote Extension educational events including Field Days
- Provide on-site operational support during Extension educational programmes across all HAEC sub-unit facilities
- Collaborate with county and state Extension personnel to facilitate impactful, community-focused agricultural education events
- Support the planning and execution of Extension outreach activities that may occasionally occur outside of normal working hours
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent plus two years of relevant agricultural experience — college coursework or vocational training may substitute at an equivalent rate
- Valid driver’s license — driving is a required component of this role across HAEC’s multi-subunit farm facilities
- Physical ability to perform tasks involving climbing, frequent overhead reaching, heavy lifting, kneeling, repeated bending, and repetitive pulling and pushing
- A health assessment is required for this position given the physical nature of the role including pesticide use and heavy equipment operation
Preferred Qualifications
- In-depth hands-on experience supporting research farming operations, ideally within a university, government, or commercial agricultural setting
- Proven experience with pesticide applications and integrated pest management practices in row crop, horticultural, or turf environments
- Moderate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel for record-keeping, reporting, and documentation management
- Experience with digital facility management tools and agricultural data platforms is a valuable added advantage
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines efficiently and consistently
About the University of Florida — HAEC
The University of Florida is one of the nation’s leading public research universities and Florida’s primary land-grant institution, committed to delivering world-class research, education, and Extension services that benefit communities across the state and beyond. The Hastings Agricultural Extension Center (HAEC) serves as a multi-subunit agricultural research and extension hub in St. Johns County, supporting a wide range of crop science, integrated pest management, and community Extension education programmes. UF is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce, and this position is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.
To apply, visit: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/539128 — submit your cover letter and resume before 11:55 PM ET on June 30, 2026.
Who Should Apply?
- Experienced Farm Workers: With 2+ years of hands-on agricultural, crop management, or research farm experience in Florida or the USA
- Pesticide Applicators: With licensed or experienced background in herbicide, insecticide, and fungicide application for row crops or turf
- Agricultural Science Graduates: With vocational, associate, or bachelor-level coursework in agriculture, horticulture, or related fields
- Veterans: This position is eligible for Veteran’s preference — eligible applicants should upload their DD 214 Member Copy 4 with their application
- Extension & Research Enthusiasts: Who want to contribute to university agricultural research and community education in Florida’s farming sector
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