Agricultural Field Technician

Job description

Skill Level I

Agricultural Field Technician
Workers will perform specialized agricultural field work during the winter period after crops have been harvested and before the next crop is planted. The work is necessary to evaluate and improve field drainage, inspect irrigation systems, and collect soil information needed for the upcoming crop season.
• Agricultural drainage system installation: Install subsurface agricultural drainage pipe in harvested crop fields using specialized farm drainage equipment. Duties include locating planned drainage routes, assisting with placement of drainage pipe, connecting drainage lines and outlets, and verifying proper installation.
• Field drainage evaluation: Inspect harvested fields to identify areas where excess water accumulates or where existing subsurface drainage systems are not functioning properly. Locate existing drainage lines and outlets and assist in evaluating water movement through the field.
• Irrigation system inspection: Inspect agricultural irrigation systems located in crop fields after harvest. Check irrigation components, water delivery points, pipe, connections, valves, and other field irrigation components to identify problems that could affect irrigation of the following crop.
• Soil sampling: Collect soil samples from harvested crop fields at designated locations and depths. Properly identify and organize samples for laboratory analysis. Soil test results are used to determine crop nutrient requirements and fertilizer applications for the following growing season.
Agricultural field data collection: Record field observations associated with drainage, irrigation, and soil sampling activities. Mark or document locations requiring drainage or irrigation work so that field improvements can be completed before the next crop is planted.
Required: 2 Months of verifiable experience in farming.

Special Requirements

Physically able to bend, stoop, and able to stand on feet for long periods of time. Physically able to meet and perform all job specifications. May be required to take random drug and / or alcohol tests, at no cost to the worker. Testing positive or failure to comply may result in immediate termination from employment. All testing and background check will occur after employment has started and is not a part of the interview process. May be required to submit a criminal background check, at no cost to the worker. Felony convictions that employer reasonably believes, consistent with current law, will impair the safety and living conditions of other workers or other individuals on the farm will result in immediate termination. Failure to comply with request for criminal background check may result in immediate termination of employment.