Agriculture Worker I (Safford, AZ)

The Agriculture Worker I plays an important role in supporting agricultural research and field operations at the Safford Agricultural Center. This hands-on position assists with crop production activities, equipment operation, irrigation, facility maintenance, and groundskeeping to help ensure successful research and farming operations. Ideal candidates enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and contributing to a team-oriented agricultural environment. The position offers the opportunity to gain experience in agricultural research while supporting the day-to-day operations of an active agricultural center. This position works primarily outdoors and may require schedule flexibility during peak irrigation, planting, and harvest periods.

Located just outside of Safford in Graham County, this 63-acre agricultural center has been a performance testing site for the long staple cotton breeding program and other crop varietals for more than 70 years. The Safford Agricultural Center was acquired with state and Graham County Farm Bureau funds in 1946. Since its inception, the facility has provided research and service to farmers across Southeastern Arizona, including Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties. The center has made specific contributions in raising crops under the same saline conditions local growers face. The founders chose the site deliberately because of the unfavorable salinity and highly alkaline characteristics in its soil and water. The facility also provides the infrastructure for Cooperative Extension agricultural research and education throughout the Southeastern part of the state and has meteorological monitoring infrastructure that has reported weather information to local, state and national agencies for more than 70 years.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Perform
Agricultural Production Activities:

• Assist with irrigation, planting,
  cultivation, harvesting, and related agricultural activities in support of
  research plots and field crops.
• Apply fertilizers and other treatments as
  directed and operate basic farm equipment and tools following established
  procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas and report
  equipment or crop issues to supervisors.

Assist with
Equipment Operation and Care:

• Operate and assist with the routine care of farm
  equipment, vehicles, and implements used in agricultural operations.
• Perform
  basic maintenance activities such as cleaning equipment, checking fluid levels,
  and preparing equipment for field use under supervision.

Perform
Groundskeeping and Facility Support:

• Assist with mowing, weed control, pruning,
  raking, painting, and general upkeep of agricultural center grounds and
  facilities.
• Perform routine custodial tasks to maintain safe and functional
  work environments.

Transport and
Handle Agricultural Materials:

• Load, unload, move, and transport agricultural
  supplies, equipment, harvested products, and materials as directed.
• Assist with
  field preparation and support activities for research and agricultural
  operations.

Complete Basic
Recordkeeping and Special Projects:

• Maintain simple records related to assigned
  tasks and activities.
• Assist with special projects and perform other related
  duties as assigned to support agricultural center operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity
  with irrigation systems, agricultural equipment, or crop production activities.
• Knowledge of
  basic agricultural practices, equipment, tools, and safety procedures.
• Skill in
  following written and verbal instructions and established work procedures.
• Ability to
  safely operate basic farm equipment, vehicles, and hand tools.
• Ability to
  perform manual labor outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to
  maintain accurate basic records related to assigned work.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Experience assisting with farming, landscaping, groundskeeping, maintenance, or other outdoor labor activities.
• Experience operating tractors, utility vehicles, or similar equipment.
• Experience performing routine maintenance, custodial, or groundskeeping tasks.