Career Center

Sr. Farm Maintenance Worker (8148C) - 53090 About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

Departmental Overview

The Senior Farm Maintenance Worker provides technical support and horticultural expertise to support plant science research for UC Berkeley faculty, staff, and students. Under the supervision of the greenhouse manager, the SFMW prepares research field plots and irrigation setups, monitors and fertilizes plants, and maintains equipment (truck, tractor, implements, and forklift), and a variety of mechanized and hand tools for field and greenhouse operations. Performs scouting and pest control. They also assist with recordkeeping and documentation of greenhouse and field activities.

The Senior Farm Maintenance Worker serves the Oxford Facilities Unit (OFU), which is part of the College of Natural Resources on the Berkeley campus. The OFU consists of three research/ teaching greenhouses located at Oxford Tract/Berkeley, and teaching/research fields located at both Oxford Tract (1 acre) and Gill Tract/Albany (5 acres). Incumbent will be an integral part of a 6-member OFU staff team serving the researchers using the Oxford Tract greenhouses and Oxford Tract/Gill Tract research fields.

Under the general supervision of the greenhouse manager, incumbent is responsible for independently prioritizing the day's activities, with capacity to reprioritize assignments should equipment or operational problems occur. Incumbent is responsible for independently assessing and troubleshooting field and greenhouse problems and/or suggesting possible solutions to the manager. The broader scope of maintenance and managerial duties can sometimes preclude the performance of general operational greenhouse/field duties. Incumbent must understand field and greenhouse experimental research needs and equipment. Incumbent must be proactive, detail-oriented, and have excellent verbal communication skills.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 05/19/2023

Responsibilities

Field work - Under general supervision of facility manager, perform specialized farming practices in research fields including but not limited to:

• Accurate use of tractor and tractor-powered implements (including but not limited to rototiller, disc, bed former, mower, mulch lifter, seeder).
• Accurate use of hand- and small-motor-powered tools such as rototiller, mower, string trimmer, hoe, shovel, and various hand tools.
• Source, set up, repair, and clean up irrigation lines, including drip tape.
• Knowledge of field operations timing: what needs to happen when - then do it without delay.
• Guide and assist unit staff with installation of plastic mulch, drip tape, and other experimental setups.
• Follow phytosanitary and biosafety procedures to ensure compliance with permit and experimental requirements.

Greenhouse Support - Assist in a seven day per week greenhouse operation at Oxford Tract:

• Assist in watering on weekdays, weekends, and holidays as necessary.
• Assist in planting, cleaning, and/or daily greenhouse maintenance operations as necessary.

Equipment Maintenance and Operations - Under general supervision of facility manager, independently, accurately, and safely operate, transport, attach/detach, and maintain equipment including but not limited to:

• 35, 50 and 82 HP tractors with PTO and front loaders .
• Forklift and electric pallet jack.
• Full-size pickup truck with lift gate and tow hitch, and trailer.
• PTO-powered rototiller, plow, disc, bed former, and mulch lifter.
• Responsible for safe operation of hand tools and machinery when repairing field equipment.
• Log use and repairs of vehicles and equipment per University standards.

Documentation - Responsible for maintaining safety and business records including but not limited to:

• Required postings and documentation for Gill Tract.
• Field assignment maps with guidance from supervisor.
• Monthly recharge records for fields with guidance from supervisor.
• Weekly recharge record for greenhouse.
• Forklift and pallet jack monthly inspection and documentation.
• Monthly pesticide use reporting to County Ag Commissioner.
• Annual chemical inventory and shop safety inspection.
• Purchasing with university credit card; compliance with documentation and purchasing policies.
• Familiarity/competency with Google Docs, Office and online scheduling apps for recordkeeping and assignment tracking.

Safety - Work in a safe and responsible manner at all times, including compliance with all applicable policies and regulations, using all necessary personal protective equipment, observing all warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and immediately reporting unsafe conditions:

• Actively participate in pesticide safety program.
• Building Coordinator for the Gill Tract.
• Participate in annual chemical inventory, shop, and lab self-inspection programs.
• Alert supervisor of any safety issues at Oxford and Gill tracts.
• Maintain campus certification for forklift, tractor, and pallet jack operation.
• Use respirator as needed for pesticide, dust mitigation, and painting operations.
• Annual physical exam including hearing conservation program and respirator fit-testing.
• Participate in quarterly safety committee meeting.

Building/landscape maintenance - Responsible for identifying ongoing safety hazards or building deficiencies as they arise at Oxford/Gill Tract, alerting Building Coordinator of problem, and repairing when possible. Communicate/coordinate with Building Coordinator and Facilities Services as needed to facilitate repairs, including but not limited to:

• Fix if possible, relocate, or remove equipment/supplies as requested by faculty and staff.
• Landscape maintenance.
• Perform and supervise grass/weed mowing, string trimming, or pesticide application for weed control at Oxford/Gill Tract.
• Litter control as necessary at both facilities.

Required Qualifications

• Pass a UC spirometry test required prior to hire.
• Ability to wear a respirator when necessary while working in the greenhouses.
• Ability to independently lift and carry up to 40 pounds
• Ability to drive a full-size automatic transmission pick-up truck with loaded and unloaded trailer
• Ability to drive a manual transmission mid-size tractor and front loader.
• Ability to load and unload vehicles and equipment from a truck and trailer.
• Ability to perform routine work independently and in a team.
• Ability to prioritize assignments under pressure.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to commute to both the Oxford Tract in Berkeley and Gill Tract in Albany.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding environment.
• Ability to work weekend/holiday rotational hours.
• Familiarity/competency with Google Docs, Office and online scheduling apps for recordkeeping and assignment tracking.
• High school diploma; ability to read, write, and perform basic math calculations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four years of training and/or farm, greenhouse, nursery, or horticulture experience.

Salary & Benefits

This is a 100% full-time (40 hrs a week) non-exempt career position, which is paid hourly and eligible for full UC Benefits.

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's https://www.google.com/url?q=http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html&source=gmail&ust=1674324686328000&usg=AOvVaw2GpIWYW1GodaOMhx7gsK4r' href='https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=4165257&targetURL=http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html' style='font-variant-ligatures:normal; text-align:start; white-space:pre-wrap; color:blue; text-decoration:underline' target='_blank'>Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $25.94 (Step 1) - $30.39 (Step 9).

How to Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Driving Required

• A valid driver's license and DMV check for driving record is required.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Service Unit (SX) between the University of California and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/sx/index.html

• UC spirometry test required prior to hire.
• This is not a visa opportunity.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.



For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, please see the University of California Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace policy.



To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=21&JobOpeningId=53090&PostingSeq=1









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