APPLY HERE: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/888555700

Primary Duties for Pullman Farm Assistant

The USDA ARS Western Regional Plant Introduction Station is seeking a farm assistant for the Plant Introduction Pullman Farm located on the Washington State University Campus. The Pullman Farm has 60 acres of land and is associated with greenhouses, drying and seed cleaning facilities. These are used to do the work of regeneration of the ~100,000 plant populations and lines of economically and ecologically important crops and native plants in the care of the WRPIS genebank. Our work supports the USDA National Plant Germplasm System, providing valuable genetic resources to researchers and breeders worldwide.

The Pullman Farm Assistant will work with the Pullman Farm Manager on the following tasks:

1. FIELD MANAGEMENT: Assist with field management for germplasm production and soil health at Pullman farm location including scheduling and implementation of field preparation, planting, crop management, and harvest of germplasm, cover crops, and fallow rotations.

a. Design and implement field component of germplasm production plans (field preparation through harvest) based on unit objectives and resources.

b. Maintain soil health, including soil testing, amendment applications, and responsible tillage.

c. Assist in irrigation installation and maintenance.

d. Plan and implement crop rotations to promote high quality, non-contaminated germplasm production by breaking pest cycles, avoiding volunteer germplasm contamination and residual herbicide damage.

e. Teach and support plant germination, transplanting, propagation, and other needs to undergraduate student assistants for regenerating the thousands of species in the unit genebank, many of which require specialized expertise.

2. EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT: Operate and help maintain shop and field equipment for the purpose of efficient germplasm production and employee safety.

a. Operate and maintain heavy and light farm equipment, including tractors, implements, tools, and consumables (ex. fuel, filters).

b. Follow a schedule and perform maintenance on equipment and tools so that unit resources last and are safe to use.

c. Assist with equipment repairs which can be done with unit resources or outsource as needed.

d. Assist in troubleshooting maintenance of seed cleaning equipment.

3. PEST MANAGMENTMENT: Assist in the creation and implementation an integrative pest management (IPM) system on the farm to prevent germplasm loss from pests. This will include biological, cultural, mechanical and chemical methods.

a. Regularly perform field scouting for pest and plant stress symptom to stop damage before it effects germplasm production.

b. Maintain up to date knowledge on best pest management practices.

c. Work with farm manager, crop curators and technicians to maintain knowledge of common pests and plant stress symptoms for the wide range of crops in the genebank collection.

d. Maintain a pesticide applicators license.

e. Help train technicians and students on pest identification and management to prevent problems before they occur.

f. Control pest pressure including weeds, insects, and pathogens.

g. Safely maintain and apply pesticides as needed.

4. CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT GROWING FACILITY MANAGEMENT: Assist on large greenhouse maintenance, update, and emergency projects at Pullman and Central Ferry Location, including all greenhouse and lathhouses.

a. Support greenhouse technician when maintenance and construction needs require multiple people and specialized expertise.

5. BUILDING AND GROUNDS MAINTNANCE: Perform standard building and green space maintenance to keep work area functional and safe.

a. Mowing and weed management including herbicide applications in parking lots and green spaces.

b. Maintain outdoor surfaces ice free in winter.

c. Landscape management of trees and shrubs.

d. Building repairs and maintenance (ex. doors, windows, painting).

e. Maintain heating and cooling systems.

This is a USDA ARS job, open to all U.S. Citizens. Please use the link below to apply through the U.S. Federal website USAJobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/888555700. Please ensure you fill in every blank in the questions completely or your application will not be considered.