Farm Operations Technician CL1

This position supports potato breeding research by operating and maintaining field, greenhouse, and specialized research equipment. The role is essential in preparing for planting and harvest seasons, managing chemical inventories, and supporting crop production and research activities. The incumbent will assist in data collection, sample evaluation, and general maintenance of research facilities to ensure smooth and efficient research operations focused on potato production and quality. Full-time, regular position, 40 hours per week, 5 days per week. Normal daily work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This position pays $18.13/hour, or applicable transfer rate in accordance with the ACSUM collective bargaining agreement. 

Essential Duties:

• Operates, maintains, and repairs field and harvest equipment, trucks, and specialized research equipment. 
• Inventories agricultural pesticides and organizes/maintains pesticide storage area.
• Prepares field and research equipment for growing season use and for winter storage. 
• Helps prepare greenhouse spaces for growing season use and for winter, and performs greenhouse work such as crossing plants, planting, and harvesting pots.
• Prepares seed potatoes for planting, 
• Assists in field, greenhouse, and laboratory research activities and data collection.
• Conducts yield and quality evaluations of research potato samples.
• Monitors and maintains controlled environment potato storage lockers.   
• Collects samples and data from research plots.   
• Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned.

About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 


Qualifications:
Required:

• Typically has the education associated with a high school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) and one year of farm operations experience.
• A valid Maine driver’s license and the ability to obtain a Maine commercial driver’s license within one year of hire. 
• Ability to operate field equipment, specialized research equipment, and trucks used in agricultural research with special emphasis on potato. 
• Ability to calibrate, conduct minor repairs, and conduct routine maintenance of field, storage, and research equipment 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in the field, greenhouse, laboratory, and grading facilities under sometimes difficult conditions due to weather, dust, etc.
• Patience in conducting detailed, but routine and repetitive research tasks (e.g., planting, weighing, grading, slicing, frying, cutting, packaging, counting, etc.). 
• Ability to listen carefully and properly follow instructions well so that research tasks are completed correctly. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and work constructively as part of a team.

Other Information:

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

• 1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
• 2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

• Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
• For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on December 1, 2025.
• For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Mario Andrade at mario.murad@maine.edu or 207-581-2997/352-328-8191.
• The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post offer physical. 

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).
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