Farm Technician Horticulture na Kentucky State University

TITLE: Farm Technician - Horticulture

DEPARTMENT: Land Grant Program

REPORTS TO: KSU Farm Manager

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Farm Technician – Horticulture provides technical and operational support for the horticulture, value-added, and pawpaw research groups within the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources at Kentucky State University. This position assists with farm operations, crop and orchard maintenance, data collection for research projects, and mentoring student workers. The Farm Technician plays a key role in supporting both research and extension demonstration projects.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide operational support at the KSU Research and Demonstration Farm, West Farm, Pawpaw Orchards, and other designated farm locations.
2. Assist in daily farm activities including planting, irrigating, pruning, mowing, weeding, pesticide application, and harvesting crops.
3. Maintain and care for orchards of pawpaw, persimmons, jujube, and other specialty fruit crops, as well as floriculture crops in greenhouse production.
4. Support management of vegetable plantings and orchard operations in collaboration with the Farm Manager.
5. Collect, enter, and maintain research and experimental data; training will be provided.
6. Support extension demonstration projects and mentor horticulture students and research assistants.
7. Perform other related duties as assigned in support of farm operations and research initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of agricultural crops and crop management practices.
• Knowledge of experimental design and basic data collection methods.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to supervise and mentor student workers.
• Computer literacy; ability to learn and use data entry and statistical software.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision.
• Initiative, resourcefulness, punctuality, and reliability.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

OTHER DUTIES:

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in agriculture, farm operations, or horticultural practices preferred

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed outdoors on farms and in greenhouses, with exposure to extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, chemicals, and loud noise.
• Field research and farm work involve extended physical exertion including standing, walking, bending, lifting (up to 50 pounds), and operating farm equipment.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when handling chemicals or operating machinery.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.