Senior Agricultural Technician - South Coast REC - Irvine, CA, Job ID 89858

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and the expertise of the UC system by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based Advisors, and community educators.

Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education from county-based UCCE offices serving all 58 counties from 70+ locations. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the resources UC has to offer. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people's lives.

Additional Information:

• Discover our organization at UC ANR and explore our Mission.
• Through our Statewide Programs and Institutes, UC ANR academics and UC faculty collaborate in integrated teams to tackle priority problems through combined research and extension.
• Our Strategic Initiatives serve as our roadmap, helping us stay unified and effectively advocate for the work we do.
• Through our seven Public Value Statements, we share the real-world difference our research and extension work make for the public.
• We maintain a culture of equity and respect, with all UC ANR employees committed to the Civil Rights Compliance Policy.
• We champion inclusive excellence through our Principles of Community, creating a professional home where everyone, regardless of background, feels they belong and has the opportunity to grow.

Position Summary:

The South Coast Research and Extension Center (SCREC) provides land, labor, equipment, and facilities to University researchers for agricultural research in row, tree, landscape, and ornamental crops. The Senior Agricultural Technician position performs all phases of cultural practices including operation of complex farm equipment, layout/installation and operation of irrigation systems, pesticide/chemical applications, lead person for seasonal farm labor, and assists with the maintenance of physical plant and equipment.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed.

Pay Scale: $26.72/hour to $32.00/hour

Job Posting Close Date:
This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 11/27/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

Requirements:

• Skills to perform land preparation, cultivation and maintenance tasks including complex operations with tractors and equipment.
• Skills to independently select, setup and operate appropriate equipment for assigned tasks.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Skills using computer systems including Work, Excel, Access, Outlook, and other computer programs.
• Skills to calibrate, set up and operate equipment for accurate chemical applications.
• Knowledge of plant culture.
• Obtain Qualified Applicator's Certificate within one year of hire.
• Mathematical skills to perform calculations.
• Knowledge of cultural practices for research in row, tree and ornamental crops.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions to complete tasks and meet project specifications.
• Ability to follow all safety procedures to maintain a safe work environment.
• Ability to follow pesticide label instructions.
• Ability to safely handle chemicals and hazardous materials.

Preferred Skills:

• Skills to operate farm, hand and power equipment safely and properly.
• Skills to identify vertebrate pests, habitat and damage, and perform appropriate control measures.
• Skills to perform building and equipment repair and service.
• Skills to maintain roads, small buildings, fences, and drainage ditches.
• Understanding of research activities.
• Ability to read and interpret plot maps to assist researchers with work on their plots.
• Ability to instruct contract labor lead in the safe and proper performance of cultural activities and sample collection.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• DMV Pull Program: Must enroll in the DMV Pull-Notice Program
• Responsibility for operating commercial vehicles, machinery or toxic systems that could result in accidental death, injury or health problems.
• Travel including travel outside normal business hours may be requested.
• Overtime and occasional weekend work as needed, usually on short notice to meet operational needs may be requested.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

  1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

     • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

       • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

       • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Internal Candidates*: To apply as an internal UC ANR employee, please go to:
https://ucphrprdpub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucphrprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Employee&SiteId=18&JobOpeningId=89858&PostingSeq=1

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*Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site. Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.