AgTEC Smart Farm Specialist

AgTEC Smart Farm Specialist

Salary: $5,039.00 - $6,376.00 Monthly

Job Type: Classified Full Time

Job Number: 20260505

Closing: 5/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Location: Merced College, CA

The AgTEC Smart Farm Specialist plays a key role in advancing Merced College's cutting-edge agricultural workforce programs by supporting daily operations of the instructional farm and AgTEC Innovation Center. This position blends hands-on farming with modern ag technology, helping to implement sustainable, data-driven, and industry-aligned practices.

Working under the direction of the Director of Farm Operations, the Specialist is responsible for crop production, irrigation management, equipment operation, and maintenance of farm infrastructure, while also integrating Smart Farm technologies such as automated irrigation systems, sensors, and data collection tools. The role is critical in ensuring the farm operates efficiently, safely, and as a model of innovation for students and industry partners.

In addition to field operations, the Specialist supports student learning by guiding hands-on training activities, assisting faculty with instructional demonstrations, and contributing to community engagement events that showcase agricultural technology and workforce development.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about agriculture, technology, and education-who wants to be part of building the future of farming while directly impacting student success and regional workforce development.

General Description

Under the supervision of the Director of Farm Operations or designee, the AgTEC Smart Farm Specialist assists in daily farm operations supporting the AgTEC Innovation Center and instructional farm. The position focuses on implementing and maintaining sustainable and technology-enhanced farming practices, including crop production, irrigation management, equipment operation, harvesting, planting, weed and pest control, and general facility upkeep. The Specialist will help support applied learning opportunities for students by maintaining an efficient, safe, and innovative Smart Farm environment that models industry standards.

Examples of Duties

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Assist with all aspects of farm production, including soil preparation, planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest and weed control, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Operate, maintain, and assist with preventative maintenance on tractors, implements, irrigation systems, and other farm machinery, tools, and equipment; ensure all equipment is properly cleaned, serviced, and stored after use.
• Assist with installation, operation and maintenance of Smart Farm technology systems such as automated irrigation controls, environmental sensors, drones, and data collection devices.
• Monitor crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation efficiency to optimize sustainability, resource use, and productivity.
• Mix and apply herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers in accordance with established safety procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain farm infrastructure, including fences, gates, storage areas, field roads, and irrigation systems; ensure the farm remains clean, organized, and operationally efficient.
• Supervise and provide direction to work-study participants or volunteers engaged in farm activities and applied learning projects.
• Support faculty, students, and industry partners in instructional and demonstration activities related to the AgTEC Innovation Center and Smart Farm.
• Participate in special projects, community events, and college outreach activities that highlight agricultural innovation and workforce training.
• Follow all established safety, chemical handling, and biosecurity protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of sustainable and precision agriculture
• Safe and efficient operation of agricultural machinery and tools
• Modern irrigation systems and water management techniques
• Fundamentals, terminology, and techniques of crop production and equipment maintenance
• Agricultural technology systems such as sensors, automation, GPS guidance, and data collection tools
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions related to agricultural operations

Ability to:

• Safely operate, maintain, and repair farm machinery and equipment
• Assist in implementing and maintaining Smart Farm technologies
• Work independently and cooperatively with faculty, staff, and students
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students

Typical Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education/Training/Experience

• High school diploma OR
• GED AND four (4) years applicable experience OR
• the equivalent education and experience.

License or Certificate

• Possession of a valid California driver's license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

• Associate degree or certificate in Agriculture, Mechanized Agriculture, Ag Technology, or related field
• Experience in irrigation system operation and repair
• Experience operating precision agriculture equipment or farm data systems
• One year of experience working on a diversified production farm
• Class A license

PHYSICAL DEMAND AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment

Work is performed primarily on the Merced College instructional farm; position requires outdoor work in varying weather conditions and may include weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.

Physical Ability to:

• Hear, understand and clearly communicate verbal information at normal levels
• Read and interpret printed matter, including technical manuals and instructions
• Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch for prolonged periods of time
• Perform manual labor, including lifting, carrying, pushing, reaching in all directions and pulling up to 50 pounds
• Operate tractors and other heavy equipment in accordance with safety and operational standards
• Work safely around livestock, machinery, and chemicals

Vision

See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing

Hear in normal audio range with or without correction.