Agricultural Technician

Under general direction, performs work in support of farm advisors, campus-based researchers, and program extension specialist in conducting research and extension education programs in the fields of agriculture and natural resources; support includes collecting and analyzing data and the dissemination of information and research findings to the public through meetings, classes, service calls, and publications.

Bilingual English/Spanish encouraged to apply. Se buscan personas bilinges en ingls y espaol. Para recibir una solicitud en espaol, llame a Recursos Humanos al 234-6600.

Job Requirements and Minimum Qualifications

All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents:

* Assists farm advisors in conducting field and laboratory research, including: maintaining pear and grape test plots; collecting field data; collecting soil, water, plant and insect specimens for diagnostic purposes; analyzing data and collected samples; applying unregistered pesticides, fertilizers and other treatments; and operating farm equipment and machinery, laboratory and field research equipment.
* Collects, monitors and analyzes insect pest damage and diseases of major local crops.
* Collects weather data, degree day accumulations for specific pests, and compiles data utilizing computer program(s).
* Coordinates and follows up on research projects and plots for absent campus-based specialist and program specialists.
* Offers public services in the form of education and technical advice, including: answering public service calls regarding gardening, small farm, vertebrate and invertebrate pest management, performing plant and insect identification, diagnosis and suggested treatment.
* Offers in-house technical support to farm advisors including: creating slide presentations, editing manuscripts for journal and UC publications, manipulating and organizing data, organizing and filing university publications, and assisting in the preparation of programs presented to the public.
* Creates newsletters and flyers.
* Carries out lead worker responsibilities including: training in job skills, assigning and directing work, making recommendations in performance appraisal, and reporting problems to supervisor.
* Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education and Experience:
Associate's degree or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school; and, two (2) to three (3) years of progressively responsible related experience;
or,
Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Licenses and Certifications:
Pesticide Applicator Certificate

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

* Local agriculture crops and practices, including varieties grown, irrigation, fertilization, livestock and grazing management.
* Natural resources including water quality and resources, plants, soils, trees, forests, wildlife and local ecology.
* Local climate and micro-climates.
* Local vertebrate and invertebrate pests and pest management.
* All computer applications and hardware related to performance of the essential functions of the job.
* Recordkeeping, report preparation, filing methods and records management techniques.
* Standard business arithmetic, including percentages and decimals.
* Applicable state, federal and local ordinances, laws, rules and regulations.

Skill in:

* Researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
* Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures and protocols.
* Using mathematics.
* Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.

Mental and Physical Abilities:

* Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
* Ability to speak effectively before public groups and respond to questions.
* Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
* Ability to interpret a variety of technical instructions with abstract and/or concrete variables.
* Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
* Ability to perform work and solve problems independently with minimal supervision and often alone.
* While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, speak and hear, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
* While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Selection Procedure
Important Application Information:

* It is your responsibility to demonstrate through your application materials how you meet the minimum qualifications of the position/s for which you apply.
* You must complete all sections of the application. A rsum or other information you feel will help us evaluate your qualifications may be attached to your completed application, but will not be accepted in lieu of completing any part of the application. Blank applications that contain only a rsum or those that reference "see rsum" will be rejected as incomplete.
* Check your application before submitting to ensure it is complete and correct; no new or additional information will be accepted after the closing date.
* Inquiry will be made of your former and current employers; please provide the names and telephone numbers of supervisors on your application.
* You must provide the names and contact information of at least three (3) references (not relatives) that have knowledge of your job skills, experience, ability and/or character.
* Application materials are the property of Mendocino County and will not be returned.
* It is your responsibility to keep your NEOGOV profile updated, including any changes to your telephone number or address. Failure to do so may result in missed notification of exams or interviews.
* The exam process listed on this flyer is tentative. Mendocino County reserves the right to make necessary modifications to the examination plan. Such revisions will be in accordance with approved personnel standards. Should a change be made, applicants will be notified.
* The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

Examination Process: All complete applications will be reviewed with those judged most qualified progressing further in the selection process. Based on the number of qualified candidates, an oral examination (weight 100) or an unassembled exam, consisting of an evaluation of education and experience as stated on the application form, will be administered. The examination process will test the knowledge and abilities described above. A minimum score of 70 must be attained for placement on the employment list.

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