The Agricultural Technician performs and participates in preserve operations, maintenance and management, to be based out of the California Chapter’s Chico field office.
The Agricultural Technician is responsible for on-site implementation of planting and farming of native trees and shrubs for TNC’s riparian restoration program. The Agricultural Technician must understand agricultural preparation, care and treatment of farm land including: pipelines, ditches, plowing, weed control, spraying, fertilizing, sowing and planting, irrigation, growing and harvesting of agricultural commodities. The Agricultural Technician works at the agriculture sites, does continuous physical and manual labor work all year long; operates machinery, tractors, irrigation systems, and works with hand tools such as shovels, weed-eaters, and pruning shears. The Agricultural Technician removes exotic species, may assist in prescribed burns and maintains tools, equipment and land. This position also directs and works with contracted manual laborers to complete planting and maintaining restoration sites, and assists science staff with monitoring of restored habitat.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Handle agricultural preparation, care and treatment of farm land including pipelines, ditches, plowing weed control, spraying fertilizing, sowing and planting, irrigation, growing and harvesting of agriculture commodities.
- Operate tractors, irrigation systems, ATVs and other equipment associated with orchard operations.
- Perform all manual labor activity including planting, weeding, irrigation, welding, minor electrical, mechanical equipment maintenance and construction tasks.
- Collect acorns, native seeds, and cuttings for plant material.
- Assist and train contracted manual labor in the planting and maintenance of restoration sites.
- Assist science staff with monitoring activities.
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- When business need requires, may work long and flexible hours to meet seasonal needs (up to 55 hours per week) in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Works safely and follows instructions, such as requirements for handling pesticides and multiple form of agricultural farm equipment, machinery and tools.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Requires long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under infrequent supervision.
- Shares and seeks information, ideas, solutions, and resources with others. Recognizes and respects the diverse ideas, perspectives and values of others. Can work with external partners.
- Eager to learn and quickly implement new ways to improve quality and productivity.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with basic agricultural techniques and requirements, such as preparation, care and treatment of farm land including pipelines, ditches, plowing, weed control spraying, fertilizing, sowing and planting, irrigation, growing and harvesting of agricultural commodities.
- Has experience with welding, mechanics of diesel equipment, construction, and electrical work.
- Holds a valid California’s Basic Class C driver’s license for driving any combination of equipment with a Gross Combination Weight Rating of 26,000 pounds and demonstrates a good driving record.
- Holds a valid Qualified Applicator Certificate, category D in order to apply and supervise restricted materials applications and can obtain a Restricted Materials Permit from the agricultural commissioner.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide application, and driver’s license).
- Basic English required to explain and convey agricultural matters of concerns to others.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- At least five years of agricultural labor work experience including working with and operating orchard equipment (tractors, irrigation equipment, weed-eaters, etc.).
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including database knowledge or understanding.