*** This is a readvertisement. All previous applicants MUST reapply to be considered. ***

The Upper Mountain Research Station is hiring an agricultural technician to support agriculture research projects conducted at the station. This position will work within the livestock unit.  The employee will work directly with other station staff and project leaders to assist with animal agriculture research projects, feeding, animal husbandry, as well as general maintenance of equipment and facilities. The ideal candidate will have experience in livestock production (large and small ruminant), forage production, general farming practices and the ability to operate farm equipment. This position will require some rotating shift, weekend, holiday, and overtime work depending on station needs. This position will also support a diverse crops research program as seasonal demands may require.

Functions of this position are: 

• Assisting with day-to-day husbandry of beef cattle and sheep
• Fencing and facilities maintenance
• Operation of agricultural equipment utilized in the production of beef cattle and sheep
• Pasture and forage management 

Benefits include: 

Twelve Paid Holidays annually, 

At least fourteen days of vacation leave and twelve days of sick leave annually,

Three days of community service leave annually, 

A full range of financial and health benefits including a retirement plan, supplemental retirement/deferred compensation programs, health and life insurance, vision, and dental insurance.

Click Here to Learn more about State Employee Benefits. 

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provide services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians.  The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees. 

Click Here to Watch this video to Learn How to Apply.

The Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position.  We will not review resumes in lieu of the Experience and Education listed on the application.  

To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL of the following:

• Knowledge of agricultural animal production and husbandry
• Knowledge of pasture and forage management systems
• General knowledge of agricultural practices. 
• Ability to effectively calibrate, operate, and maintain tractors, combines, and associated farm equipment.
• Ability to properly mix and apply common agricultural chemicals. 
• Ability to use a variety of power and hand tools commonly used in equipment, facility and yard maintenance. 
• Physical ability to perform strenuous manual duties both inside and outside under adverse weather conditions. 
• Ability to independently lift 50lbs routinely.  
• Valid Driver’s License. 

Must obtain the following within twelve months of employment:

• Forklift Driver Certificate
• Public Pesticide Applicator License
• BQA Certification in all categories

You may qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience, either through years of education or years of directly related experience, or a combination of both.

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma and one year of experience in the general care and management of animals or crops, or laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.
  
Please follow the instructions to apply online. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and experience. Text or attached resumes ARE NOT accepted as a substitution for a completed application. Applicants seeking veteran's/National Guard preference should submit a copy of their Form DD-214, NGB 23A (RPAS), DD256 or NGB 22.
  
 All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.  
 
 * Note: When required, you must answer the question(s) for this position, or your application will be considered incomplete. *
  
 Questions regarding this posting?  Contact 919-707-3201.