Position Title: Ag Science Center Laborer

Employee Classification: Ag Science Center Laborer

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317200-FABIAN GARCIA AG SCIENCE CTR

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  16.83

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  The Fabian Garcia Research Center is advancing innovations in high-efficiency agriculture. The Center is New Mexico State University's pioneering chile breeder, which has been inducted into the American Society for Horticultural Science Hall of Fame. During a five-decade career at NMSU, Garcia laid the foundation for the state's $400 million chile pepper industry.

Classification Summary:
Performs activities such as planting, cultivating, weeding, irrigating and harvesting experimental research plots and crops and/or providing care for laboratory or farm animals in an animal facility or farm environment; watering, raking, mowing, trimming, edging, and trash/litter pickup and disposal activities. Application of sprays, fertilizers and pesticides to fields. Operation of vehicles, farm equipment and power tools. May provide direction to entry level staff.

Classification Standard Duties:
Performs duties such as: planting, weeding, cultivating, irrigating and harvesting of experimental research plots and/or research field crops. Cleans shops, barns, sheds, barn lots and office facilities. Mows, edges, waters lawns, trees and shrubs. Removes and rakes trash and debris from grounds. May perform construction and repair of fences, buildings, sheds and roads. Applies, mixes and measures fertilizers and pesticides and distributes over experimental research crops and/or plots. May drive truck to transport supplies, debris and equipment as instructed. Operates farm equipment including tractors and harvesters. Operates large power lawn mowers, edgers and hand tools. Feeds, waters, houses, grooms and cares for animals; Cleans and sterilizes cages, feeding equipment, animal rooms and stalls; sprays disinfectant and mops floors and walls.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:None; Required Experience:None; Equivalency:; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge and understanding of principles, procedures, regulations, and standards applicable to the job. Understanding of the University's mission, vision and goals. Knowledge and understanding of principles, procedures, regulations, and standards applicable to the job. Understanding of the University's mission, vision and goals.; SKILLS:Skill in the operation of farm equipment and in the use of tools used in the repair and maintenance of facilities.; ABILITIES:Ability to provide work direction to others. Ability to accurately maintain written records. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Plants, harvests, cultivates and irrigates experimental research plots and research field crops
• Mows, edges and waters lawns, trees and shrubs
• Rakes leaves and removes debris
• Sprays for weeds and insects
• Applies, mixes and measures fertilizers and pesticides to research field crops and experimental research plots
• Possible operation of large farm equipment such as tractors and plot harvesters.
• Operates large power lawn mowers, edges and hand tools
• Operation of vehicles for hauling debris and transporting supplies
• May perform repairs and/or construction to fences, roads, sheds and buildings
• Cleans shops, sheds and barns
• Feeds, waters and cares for research livestock
• Cleans and sterilizes cages, stalls and feeding equipment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with gas powered tools and farm machinery is preferred.

Special Requirements of the Position
May travel to other job sites for short periods of time as needed.

Department Contact:  Rebecca Martinez, (575) 6463125, rbanegas@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: May include evenings and weekends

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip

Physical Effort: Considerable physical activity. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of the job.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.