Extension Program Assistant St. John\'s County in Worcester

This position is responsible for providing program support to the St. Johns County Agriculture Program, with an emphasis on assisting Extension education and outreach activities, supporting client troubleshooting, coordinating agricultural programs and workshops, and helping deliver services that strengthen agricultural production within the county.

Classification Title: Extension Program Assistant

Classification Minimum Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in Daily Research and Laboratory Tasks
• Soil, water, and plant tissue sampling from field trials
• Harvesting research and demonstration plots
• Weighing and labeling soil and plant samples
• Crop triage and diagnostics: pH and EC testing, disease and insect identification, etc.
• Collaborating with UF/IFAS campus-based labs for assistance
• Ordering and assembling supplies from various UF vendors
• Record keeping and assistance with the creation of forms and reporting templates
• Sending reports to clients
• Driving samples to the post office or labs on the main campus (Gainesville)
• Work with and train part-time technicians or student interns
• Assist in Daily Extension Programming
• Assist clients at the Extension office with basic troubleshooting questions
• Write blogs, fact sheets, and assist with the SJC Ag newsletter
• Participate in advisory committees and network with grassroots organizations
• Coordinate pesticide programs
• Set up for field days and workshops throughout the county (Libraries, Fairgrounds, Farmers’ markets)
• Assist 4-H and Horticulture programs as determined by the Commercial Ag Agent
• Provide support for Ag-based 4-H Clubs and Summer camps
• Help answer phones or walk-ins as needed for office support
• Assist the County Extension Director (Production Agriculture)
• Assist with livestock and forage requests
• Provide on-farm assistance for pond diagnostics
• Participate in meetings and provide support for county Beekeepers
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision:

Received: The Commercial Agriculture Agent assigns work in terms of general instruction. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results. Exercised: Assist in providing supervision as needed.

Work Schedule: 8:30 to 5:00 (30-minute lunch), Monday-Friday. Flexible, as determined by the Agent. Some work outside these hours may be necessary.

Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used while assigned to this position, and to travel to UF/IFAS and Gainesville vicinity, and to stores to buy necessary materials and supplies and other duties as assigned.
• Would be expected to obtain a pesticide license within 1 year.
• Background check and fingerprinting required.

Working Conditions: Work duties include working outdoors and carrying crates of soil and produce samples throughout the year, mostly Fall – Spring.

Risk/Safety Conditions: This position has some exposure or risk to physical health and/or physical safety.

Essential Physical Activities: Standing for long periods, bending over and lifting 30+ lbs, collecting soil and plant samples in the field, using field equipment (soil sampling probes, soil moisture sensors) and being in fields with conventional pest management practices, being exposed to heat and the elements, corrosive lab materials and supplies.

Communication: Contacts are typically with IFAS/County employees, elected and appointed officials, vendors, and members of the general public. This position often fields customer complaints and has to troubleshoot for solutions. Contacts are typically to provide services or to give or exchange information, or to resolve problems.

Expected Salary: $19.15-$20.23/hr, Commensurate with Experience

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid FL driver’s license required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Practical background in production agriculture (row crops) and farm equipment.
• Knowledge of agronomic pests (diseases, insects, weeds).
• Florida pesticide license holder.
• Familiarity with St. Johns County, the University of Florida and the Florida Cooperative Extension service.
• Lives within the Tri-County Ag Area (Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns).
• Ability to fluctuate between an office, laboratory and field environments.
• Team player with good communication skills and ability to work independently while staying focused and on schedule.
• A desire to learn and improve the livelihoods of St. Johns County farmers.

Special Instructions To Applicants: In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. This position is eligible for veteran’s preference. If you are claiming veteran’s preference, please upload a copy of your DD 214 Member Copy 4 with your application for consideration.

Health Assessment Required: Yes