Agriculture Field Technician
Agriculture Field Technician Southern Ute Indian Tribe Pay Range $45,236 – $56,545/year (DOE) with benefits Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm Ignacio, CO. 81137
POSITION SUMMARY: Performs work to assess, coordinate, and facilitate agricultural crop production for Tribal lands currently served by Custom Farm. Evaluates agricultural noxious weed management needs; completes weed management plans. Conducts cropland evaluation and develops farm plans. Provides technical assistance and irrigation water delivery information to Tribal agriculture producers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Evaluates agricultural lands for production and develops technical recommendations in a clear and concise manner for agricultural producers. 2. Evaluates Tribal agricultural lands for the impacts of noxious weeds and develops management plans for weed control for incorporation into farm plans. 3. Coordinates with the Custom Farms Field Supervisor to implement management goals on Tribal Agricultural lands. 4. Establishes and maintains agriculture field production data; and pest management data utilizing ArcGIS software and GPS hardware. 5. Schedules educational and technical workshops regarding agriculture and efficient land use. 6. Responsible for assessing, reporting, and interpreting results of programming efforts. 7. Prepares documents and reports as required by the Tribe and Agriculture Division including an annual plan of work, progress reports, and monthly, quarterly and annual reports. 8. Assists the Agriculture Division Head in developing the Agriculture budget; operating program within budget guidelines. 9. Works in coordination with the Division Head to develop, revise, and update applicable resource management plans, regulations, and policies. 10. Communicates and works with individuals and organizations including Tribal Departments and Divisions, Tribal members, Tribal Council, lessees of Tribal lands, and other relevant agencies or individuals. 11. Informs Division Head of potentially problematic issues and concerns regarding Tribal agriculture and land use. 12. Provides assistance for the Tribal Fair. 13. Attends staff meetings and trainings as requested. 14. Participates in a positive, supportive, and team-oriented environment. 15. Performs other job-related duties as required or requested.
QUALIFICATIONS: Must have a BS in Agronomy or closely related area. A combination of relevant and appropriate education and experience may be substituted for all or part of the degree requirement. This includes a minimum of 2 years working experience in an organization or enterprise providing agriculture technical information and/or pest management information to individuals and in group settings. Must have knowledge in agriculture operations in the local region to include, but not be limited to, field and crop management, irrigation methods, soil preparation, and grass and alfalfa hay production. Must have knowledge of noxious weeds as related to efficient agriculture production, including noxious weed identification. Must have knowledge of farm equipment operation, power and hand tools, and other machinery used in agriculture. Must have or be able to obtain Colorado Commercial Pesticide Applicators Certified Operators Certification within 6 months of hire. This includes Agricultural Weeds, Outdoor Vertebrate Pest, and Industrial and Rights of Way. Must have computer experience of programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and the Internet. Must demonstrate writing and math skills related to the Field Technician Position, including the calculation of ratios for efficient distribution of herbicides and pesticides, by passing a written exercise. Must have a valid Driver's License for state of residency and must be insurable under the Tribal vehicle insurance policy program. Must pass a thorough criminal history background check and pre-employment drug test.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Colorado Commercial Driver’s License or ability to obtain. Knowledge of Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Knowledge of ArcGIS. Colorado Commercial Pesticide Applicators, Qualified Supervisor Certification.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to communicate clearly and accurately, orally and in written format. Ability to prepare reports, and present facts and information clearly and effectively. Ability to read and understand technical information and to provide this information to tribal members and staff in a clear and concise format.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages.
REASONING ABILITY Ability to maintain strict confidentiality at all times, including the ability to recognize situations in which confidentiality is required. Ability to effectively manage time and resources, and adapts well to changing priorities, situations, and day-to-day demands. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal Officials, Tribal staff and managers, coworkers, applicants, and the public. Ability to build and maintain relationships and work effectively with clientele, advisory groups, volunteers and other professionals. Ability to organize and implement systems and procedures providing services and customer satisfaction. Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to exhibit confidence in judgment and decision-making. Ability to work independently, with a minimum of supervision.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to safely lift 75 pounds a minimum of 2 feet. Must have the full use of all extremities. Position involves periods of standing, sitting, walking, bending and kneeling. Adequate hearing is required to hear/talk with all individuals, and to use telephones on a consistent basis.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Frequent communication with Tribal members on a daily basis, including telephone, e-mail and face-to-face interaction. Work involves driving Tribal vehicles. Position involves working outdoors in all weather conditions and indoors in an office setting. Position will involve working with various solvents, fuels, and chemicals and pesticides. Position will involve working with heavy machinery such as Tractors, Balers and Stack Wagons, and various power tools. Position involves working in dusty areas with high pollen content and plant debris. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. Native American Preference; all applicants welcome.