POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Field and Maintenance Worker
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 9265
GRADE 23
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Chancellor, Mtn. Grove Campus
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Provost
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Field and Maintenance Worker performs semi-skilled work in the care and maintenance of fruit trees, vines, and related plantings which requires knowledge of fruit growing and the ability to operate manual, electrically-powered, diesel- or gasoline-powered farm machinery, tools, and equipment. The Field and Maintenance Worker applies chemicals used in fruit growing, following either written or verbal directions, and wearing prescribed protective clothing; performs routine and preventative maintenance and cleaning of farm machinery, equipment, and tools, makes minor repairs within demonstrated capability, and performs other duties as may be assigned by the Field and Maintenance Crew Leader.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A high school diploma or the equivalent is required; two years of vocational agricultural training is preferred.
Experience: At least three years of work experience in farming, fruit growing, or a related agricultural area is required.
Skills: Must be able to read English language sufficiently to understand written instructions from researchers as well as directions for the proper mixture, use, and disposal/storage of chemicals, fertilizers, and similar products used in fruit growing or agricultural work. Skill in the proper operation and maintenance of farm machinery, tractors, tools, and agricultural equipment is required. The knowledge and ability to drive farm tractors is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Skill in the use of an arc welder and cutting torch is preferred.
License: Possession of a Missouri driver’s license is required. Possession of a public pesticide operator’s license is preferred.
Effort: The ability to work out-of-doors, year round, in all types of weather is required. The ability to lift and transport fruit growing or agricultural supplies and equipment weighing up to 70 pounds on a frequent basis and up to 100 pounds on an occasional basis is required. Prolonged walking and standing and frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching is required on a daily basis. A full range of physical motion in order to operate manual, electrically-powered and diesel- or gasoline-powered farm machinery, tools, and equipment is required. The ability to access areas that may only be accessible by climbing ladders is required. The ability to move throughout the assigned area is required.
Other: The scope of the position requires exposure to and use of chemical compounds for application on trees, vines, fruit plants, and other agricultural products which may be hazardous and cause injury if specific instructions regarding their mixture, application, use, and disposal/storage are not followed properly.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Performs tasks common to the propagation, care, and maintenance of horticultural plants by planting and/or transplanting fruit trees, vines or other crops as directed, pruning trees, vines and other fruit plants, watering and fertilizing or applying chemicals to fruit trees, vines and other plantings, weeding and cultivating fruit trees, vines and other plantings, harvesting and storing fruits and propagational parts of plants, inspecting fruit trees, vines and plants for insects, disease, and physical damage, as directed, recording and reporting research data, and constructing trellises or other structures.
2. Safely operates light vehicles and farm machinery such as pick-up trucks, tractors, riding mowers, plows, mowers, and disc harrows, by obeying applicable traffic laws, following operator instructions, and wearing appropriate safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, or other protective clothing.
3. Safely operates various types of farm equipment such as post augers, post drivers, portable power tools such as gasoline-operated power tools, sprayers, trimmers, and chain saws, electrically-operated drills and saws, and gas or electrically operated welders by following operator instructions and wearing appropriate safety equipment such as goggles, gloves, or other protective clothing.
4. Applies chemicals used in fruit growing properly and safely by following either written or verbal directions for mixing chemical compounds according to specifications, wearing prescribed protective clothing, masks, and rubber boots and gloves, applying the chemicals properly on fruit trees, vines, and other plantings designated for their use, disposing of residual chemical products as directed or storing them for future use, and recording the application of such chemical compounds.
5. Performs regular and directed field maintenance by mowing orchards and other campus areas using riding mowers or tractors and gasoline-powered trimmers or chain saws, weeding or thinning plantings, and setting up, adjusting, repairing, and cleaning irrigation systems.
6. Ensures that farm machinery, equipment, and tools are operational by performing routine and preventative maintenance and cleaning of farm machinery, equipment, and tools and making minor repairs within demonstrated capability.
7. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
8. Contributes to the overall success of the College of Agriculture by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Field and Maintenance Worker is assigned day-to-day work by the Field and Maintenance Crew Leader, is administratively supervised by the Chancellor, Mtn. Grove Campus, and supervises temporary and student workers.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2024
