OPS Field Technician, UF​/IFAS Tree Fruit Breeding Program

Apply now Job no: 538366
Work type: Temp Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Agricultural Sciences, Agriculture Operations
Department:  - AG-HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES

Classification

Title:

OPS-Spons Prjs Non-Clerical

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Available to work full time 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with the occasional earlier start (5:00–6:00 am).
• Physical ability to work in various weather conditions and perform manual labor as needed.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds regularly.
• Physical movement to include kneeling, squatting, bending, lifting and standing.

The Horticultural Science Department, UF/IFAS Tree Fruit Breeding Program, Gainesville is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented full-time Field Technician to support ongoing research activities. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating field trials operations and research support primarily focused on avocado, as well as other fruit tree species. Monthly travel to trial locations with overnight stays in Central and South Florida will be required.

Successful candidates will maintain regular communication with avocado growers, researchers, and program personnel. The role involves both field and laboratory tasks in support of fruit tree breeding, production, and disease management research.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct fieldwork involving propagation, planting, fertilization, pruning, irrigation, general maintenance, harvesting and evaluation of avocado, peach, citrus, and other fruit tree species.
• Perform data collection at experimental sites and execute related analyses in the greenhouse and laboratory.
• Monitor plant health and integrated management of pests and diseases.
• Maintain accurate records of maps, inventories, materials, treatments, collected data and activities associated with research trials.
• Collect and prepare plant, soil, and fruit samples for laboratory processing.
• Communicate directly and consistently with avocado growers regarding trial activities, sampling, and research updates.

$20-$25/hour commensurate with experience

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Available to work full time 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, with the occasional earlier start (5:00–6:00 am).
• Physical ability to work in various weather conditions and perform manual labor as needed.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds regularly.
• Physical movement to include kneeling, squatting, bending, lifting and standing.

Experience with tree health, growth, yield data collection tools and software.

Previous experience with field work, research and/or agricultural production.

Strong communication skills for interaction with research collaborators, local growers, and industry partners.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This is a time-limited position.

Health Assessment

Required:

Health Assessment

Required:

Yes

Advertised: 09 Jan 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 18 Jan 2026 Eastern Standard Time

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

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