The Piedmont Research Station is hiring an Agricultural Technician II with growth potential for a fulfilling career in agriculture. Our mission is to serve as a platform for agricultural research to make farming more efficient, productive, and profitable, while maintaining a sound environment and providing consumers with safe and affordable products.

This Agricultural Research Technician II position will support research efforts in the Horticulture Unit. The Horticulture Unit maintains crops such as strawberries, hemp, sesame, tomatoes, blueberries, blackberries, peppers, cucurbits, and different new and emerging crops in North Carolina. Our ideal candidate will have skills and experience in general horticultural production, general greenhouse production, and equipment operation. 

Major functions of this position are:

• Variety of routine tasks such as assist with layout of plots, planting, apply spray treatments, and harvesting.
• Operation and basic maintenance of farm equipment.
• Work may include other duties as assigned.

This position will work closely with other research station staff, including the poultry, dairy, and crops team, to meet daily demands of research protocols and to contribute to overall success of Research Station’s goals. 

This position will require nights, weekend and overtime work depending on station needs. 

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, vision, dental, health and life 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 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:

• General understanding of horticultural crop production.
• General understanding of land preparation, transplanting, cultivating, fertilization, disease, and pest control, and harvesting. 
• Ability to operate various tractors and equipment commonly used in a farm environment.
• Ability to calibrate and maintain equipment commonly used in a farm environment.
• Ability to mix and apply chemicals commonly used in agronomic settings.
• Ability to lift 50lbs routinely and perform all work in adverse weather conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License

Must possess the following at the time of application or qualify for certification within twelve months of employment:

• Forklift Driver Certificate issued by Research Division
• Public Pesticide Applicator License
• Obtain medical clearance to wear a half mask or full-face respirator with cartridges.

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 instructions to apply on-line.  It is important that your application includes all of 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.