Job no: 523239
Work type: Temp Full-Time
Location: Palm Beach
Categories: Agriculture/Life Science/Vet Medicine, Facilities/Skilled Trades
Department:60740000 - AG-EREC-BELLE GLADE

Classification Title:

OPS – Field Technician

Job Description:

The water resources lab at the Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC) in Belle Glade, FL in Palm Beach County conducts research on the implementation and verification of best management practices (BMPs) in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). This program uses BMPs to reduce phosphorus (P) concentrations at the source, along with a monitoring program to assess its effectiveness on participating farms in the EAA. The research work is conducted as part of the Everglades Agricultural Area – Environmental Protection District (EAA-EPD) Master Best Management Practice (BMP) Permit. The objective of the research is to determine differences in performance in select farms in the EAA basins by evaluating the impact of soil chemistry and historical land use on P concentration and loads on these farms.

Position Summary:

As a Field Technician, this position will provide hands on experience in agricultural research as you work alongside postdoctoral research associates, graduate students and other lab members. In this position you will have the opportunity to learn about soil and water sampling; become familiar with different laboratory and field analysis measurements including the collection of greenhouse gas emissions, while engaging with farm managers and building connections.

This OPS position is a temporary position with the intent of becoming a permanent position after a probationary period. As an OPS employee you will be eligible for benefits through the state of Florida and be automatically enrolled in a private retirement plan. Moreover, as an OPS employee you may also be eligible to participate in some of the university’s other tax-deferred savings programs.

Field Work

• Routine checks and maintenance of pump stations, field plots, equipment, storage facilities and vehicles
• Working in remote and heavily vegetated areas with exposure to a hot and humid environment and potential exposure to or encounter with stinging/biting insects, snakes, and alligators
• Assist lab members in designing, coordinating, and executing field trials
• Assist with the collection of soil, water, and sediment samples in the field
• Load and unload field sample equipment and coolers from trucks
• Be available to work in 6 – 8 hour shifts occasionally on weekends

Lab Work

• Collect and document data without error
• Assist in routine lab work: washing glassware, weighing samples and filtration of water and soil extract.
• Attend weekly meetings and provide status updates on pump stations, field plots, and general daily tasks

Expected Salary:

$16.00 - $19.00 an hour; commensurate with experience.

Minimum Requirements:

• FL Valid Driver’s license
• High school diploma
• Ability to work under extreme weather and environmental conditions, including wildlife
• Ability to navigate and read a map
• Ability to lift minimum 40lbs
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills
• Ability to show high standards of professionalism in personal contacts and work habits
• Strong work ethic and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently and take initiative
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with farm managers and other essential workers
• Have basic working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Be flexible with sudden changes to schedule
• Expected to follow our COVID-19 guidelines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with farm operations and agriculture
• General maintenance and repair (automotive and electrical)
• Bilingual (Spanish)
• AA degree

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, you must upload your resume.

This is a time-limited position.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:

No

Advertised: 10 Aug 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 23 Aug 2022 Eastern Daylight Time