Agricultural Assistant II - H Smith Lab

Classification Title:

Agricultural Assistant II 

Job Description:

Greenhouse and Insect Colony Maintenance. Plants for research in greenhouse; collect insects from agricultural settings in south Florida and maintain colonies in growth rooms. Maintain proper functioning of greenhouses and growth rooms ensuring conditions are correct for experimentation and colony maintenance.

 Laboratory bioassays. Conduct maximum dose insecticide bioassays and assist graduate students and post doctoral research associates with insecticide and behavioral studies of pest and beneficial arthropods.  Assist with data entry and graphing. Assist with purchasing of materials necessary to conduct research.

  Field trials. Plant and maintain field trials at GCREC; apply insecticide treatments with backpack sprayer or tractor to trials; collect and process insect and yield data from trials; assist with entering and graphing data.  Maintain records of timing of all management decisions in lab and field trials.

 Other duties as assigned, training as needed, special projects as requested, and driving to farm sites may be required.

This is a grant funded position and is a time limited position.

Expected Salary:

40-50K dependent on hands on experience 

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent and two years of relevant experience. Appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience maintaining greenhouses and producing plants in a greenhouse environment

Experience measuring, mixing and applying insecticides

Experience using a microscope

Experience rearing, handling and identifying insects

Experience mounting thrips (Thysanoptera)

Experience with PCR

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your resume and complete application. 

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

This is a time limited position.

** Current UF employees encouraged to apply **

Health Assessment Required: Yes