Seasonal Agricultural Worker - Turfgrass Breeding Program

Overview

The School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, located on the George H. Cook Campus, is one of the largest schools of Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. We pursue excellence in research, teaching, and outreach in areas of study that address the biological spectrum from molecules to ecosystems. Our emphasis is on both the fundamental sciences and the social and human dimensions.

We offer 21 undergraduate majors, including plant and animal sciences, microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture and food systems, landscape architecture, food and nutritional sciences, ecology and evolution, marine science and oceanography, environmental sciences and meteorology, human ecology, entomology, and environmental economics.
In addition to instruction in the classroom, field, and laboratory, our students have opportunities for experiential learning on and off campus, including a growing emphasis on international experiences through short- and long-term study abroad. Students also have access to a robust program of applied research and outreach hosted by the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station laboratories, farms, business incubators, and marine stations throughout the state.

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Seasonal Agricultural Worker - Turfgrass Breeding Program for the Department of Plant Biology within the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. This position reports to the Primary Investigator (PI) or supervisor designated Field Researcher. Under supervision, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker - Turfgrass Breeding Program helps to establish and maintain turfgrass research areas on farm which may include turfgrass nurseries, breeding crosses, field trials, and in greenhouses.

Among the key duties of the position are the following:

• Handles the watering, cutting, planting/establishing, or weeding research trials on research farms and in greenhouses.
• Assists in establishment of breeding trials, plant tissue collection or harvest, seed harvest/isolation/preparation/threshing and weighing.
• Develops and utilizes various plant propagation techniques.
• Assists PI or researchers in data collection and analysis.

Salary: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour.

Benefits:
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage;
Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs;
Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options;
Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable);
Life insurance coverage;
Employee discount programs.

This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

High school/vocational school education or equivalent experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to work in a team environment and/or ability to work independently or with minimal supervision once trained is essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

Interest in/academic exposure to/knowledge of Plant Biology, Plant Breeding, or related discipline;
Experience working with plant care, or in an agricultural field, or farm setting.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions (rainy, windy, and/or cold temperatures) is a must;
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Special

Conditions:

Work week is typically a 40 hours per week from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for up to 6 months of consecutive service;
Position may require some weekend work;
Multiple positions available.

Posting Open Date: 01/26/2026
Posting Close Date: 07/26/2026
Open Until Filled:
No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current…