Job Details
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
Department:
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.
As you consider this opportunity, know that Merced College is more than a community college - we are a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California's Central Valley.
Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.
If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.
Merced College Mission
At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.
Merced College Vision
Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:
- Degree/Certificate Programs
- Transfer
- Career Technical Education
- Workforce Training
- Lifelong Learning
- Basic Skills
- Community Engagement
Salary Schedule
Range 23
40 hours/week12 months/year
This is a categorically funded assignment contingent upon year-to-year funding
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.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply:
- Submit a complete application by the closing date/time on the Merced College career pages at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mccd/transferjobs
Required Documentation:
- Letter of interest addressing your qualifications for the position (cover letter)
- Resume
- List of three professional references (no reference letters permitted)
Only the required documentation as listed above will be accepted for this recruitment. Any additional documentation will be removed from your application profile.
Interview Information
Applicants deemed highly qualified for the position will be invited to participate in onsite oral interviews conducted by a screening committee. A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward to the interview stage.
Interviews are scheduled for May 27, 2026 with final, in-person interviews scheduled for May 28, 2026
Employee Benefits
Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee's only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits Website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.
Condition of Employment
The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office.
Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
To apply, visit https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/mccd/jobs/5332706/agtec-smart-farm-specialist
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