Senior Plot Caretaker: UT Plateau AgResearch & Education Center at Crossville - UTIA

This position will provide support and management of agronomic research protocols conducted by faculty at the UT Plateau AgResearch and Education Center.  

• Performing operations involved with implementation of agronomic research trials.  Activities include but are not limited to preparing for, flagging out, fertilizing, planting, spraying, irrigating, collecting data and harvesting research plots. Duties include control of pests (weeds, insects, and diseases) and includes a combination of manual labor and operation of research and field equipment.  Activities focus on meeting needs of PIs and their staffs who conduct research at center. 
• Maintenance and upkeep of facilities, equipment and grounds. Provide routine maintenance and repair of all REC-owned equipment.  Maintains grounds and facilities in a safe and efficient manner while keeping up professional and aesthetically-pleasing appearance of REC. 
• Works closely with all other personnel in preparing for and executing large field days and small field days and technology transfer events.  Assists with other outreach events, hosting tour groups, and other activities as assigned by the Director.  Records and maintain research data, supply records and machinery/equipment maintenance records.

Required Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma 
• Experience: Valid driver’s license is required and experience with operation of farm equipment. Possession of Category C10 (Demonstration, Research and Regulatory Pest Control) certification through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for purchase, use and supervision of restricted-use pesticide application, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment is required. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Knowledge of agriculture, particularly with production of field crops, ornamentals, fruits and vegetables and operation of farm equipment.  Agronomic skills, equipment operation skills. Knowledge of equipment maintenance and repair. Ability to learn new skills such as new methods of crop production, production of new or alternative crops, or new equipment operation. Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and written.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Three years of row crop farm or agricultural experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a team.  Ability to receive and follow instructions, make wise, independent decisions and be self-motivated.

Work Location: UT Plateau AgResearch and Education Center, 320 Experiment Station Rd, Crossville, TN

Compensation and Benefits UT market range: 04

• Anticipated hiring range: $33K - $38K depending on experience and qualifications.
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

For best consideration applicants should submit the below materials before April 1, 2025. Screening of applicants will begin May 1, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

• Online Job Application
• Letter of Interest
• Three References

About The College/Department/Division

THE CENTER: The UT Plateau AgResearch and Education Center (PREC) is a 2100-acre field laboratory that supports the research, teaching and outreach activities of faculty, research associates and graduate students of The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. The PREC is one of ten research and education centers located throughout the state in The University of Tennessee AgResearch system. Research efforts currently underway at the PREC: ornamental, fruit, vegetable, forage, and beef trials.. Additional information about PREC can be found at http:/plateau.tennessee.edu/.

With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100