Agricultural Technician I

This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill current and any future vacancies within the Cooperative Extension.   The anticipated life of the employment list is six months.  If interested in employment for this position for current or future vacancies, please submit an online application for consideration. Current vacancy is with the Cooperative Extension department located in Tulare. The anticipated life of the list is six months. Assist in the laying out, staking and mapping of experimental plots. Plant, cultivate and harvest field and orchard crops. Maintain research plots by irrigating and applying fertilizer, pesticide and herbicides. Perform thinning, budding, pruning and grafting. Install, calibrate and operate field and laboratory equipment. For a full list of duties for this position, please click here.  Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which are required and equivalent to the following. Education Equivalent to an Associate Arts degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in agricultural and science courses. Experience One (1) year in the growing and harvesting of field and orchard crops. Knowledge of Common agricultural crops, their varieties, pests and diseases. Cultural practices used in establishing, maintaining and harvesting agricultural crops. Use of chemicals in basic plant and soil science as related to agricultural crop production. Accuracy required in experimental methods. Skill/Ability to: Work and communicate effectively with people of various education and socioeconomic backgrounds by respecting beliefs, interpersonal styles and behaviors of both clients and co-workers. Operate contemporary office equipment inclusive of computer, keyboard, and all applicable electronic equipment. Gather designated data and keep accurate, legible records. Read and understand scientific publications. Communicate with people from various socio-economic and educational backgrounds. Maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, grower/operators and personnel from other agencies. Adjust to fluctuating workloads, changing assignments and pressure of meeting deadlines. License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. DESIRABLE EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) within six (6) months of employment. Conditions of Employment Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam. College Cost Reduction Access Act This may be a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007 and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER