What are the responsibilities and job description for the Departmental Assistant – Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment Farm Facilities position at University of Massachusetts Amherst and Careers?
- 508309
- South Deerfield, Massachusetts, United States
- College of Natural Sciences
- Non-Benefited
- On Site
- Temporary/Non-Benefited
- Opening on: Feb 12 2026
- Closing on: Jul 31 2026
Title: Departmental Assistant – Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment Farm Facilities
Executive Area: Academic Affairs
College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences
Department: Center for Agriculture
Work Location: South Deerfield
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job Summary
Serves to support the daily operations of the UMass Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment (CAFE) Farm Facilities, primarily at the Crop and Animal Research and Education Farm. Performs a variety of functions including but not limited to maintenance and repair of facilities, grounds, and equipment.
Essential Functions
Operates motor vehicles and equipment necessary to support farm operations and maintenance. Equipment includes but is not limited to tractors equipped with front end loaders, plows, harrows, seeders, cultivators, mowers, snowplows, and trucks with attached trailers.
Operates manual, electric, air, and motorized power tools.
Provides general labor for routine equipment maintenance / annual servicing of equipment.
Assists in fabrication and more advanced equipment repairs.
Participates in the daily inspection of facilities to ensure safety and security – notifies supervisor of any potential issues immediately.
Maintains grounds as directed – mows and trims lawns, maintains and repairs fences, assists with road maintenance.
Maintains a high standard of organization of cleanliness of shops, barns, and related facilities as directed.
Assists with the establishment and maintenance of field research projects at CAFE farm facilities as directed. Ensures proper research protocols are followed – maintaining research integrity and learning objectives related to crops and animals.
Participates in the care of farm animals (primarily cattle) as needed including feeding, watering, transport, cleaning of pens, etc.
Other Functions
Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality, and inclusiveness.
Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.
Minimum Qualifications
High School Diploma.
One (1) year of agricultural work experience in an agronomic, vegetable, turf, livestock, or similar field.
One (1) year of experience in the operation of farm equipment including tractors, loaders, tillage equipment, general landscape equipment, etc.
Valid Driver’s License.
Ability to operate farm equipment and machinery.
Ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, take initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction in a fast paced agricultural environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students.
Ability to organize and prioritize goals; ability to collaborate well to formulate plans and objectives in accordance with overall college goals; ability to identify and implement process improvements.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to set and meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.
Preferred Qualifications
Three (3) or more years of experience in an agronomic, vegetable, turf, livestock, or similar field.
Three (3) or more years of experience in the operation of farm equipment including tractors, loaders, tillage equipment, general landscape equipment,
etc.
Basic automotive and/or agricultural equipment maintenance and repair experience.
Basic carpentry skills.
Experience in the installation of agricultural fence (woven, barbed, and/or electric wire).
Experience with ARC and/or MIG welding.
Experience with operating a truck-mounted snowplow and/or the use of front-end loader to remove snow.
Experience with driving a truck with attached trailer.
Additional Details
At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. These values and goals are reflected in the College of Natural Sciences’ Inclusive Excellence framework and in the UMass Amherst’s For the Common Good: 2024–2034 Strategic Plan.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday – Friday; 7 AM – 3 PM, Flexible.
Salary Information
Hourly Rate: 18-22
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with application, please submit a resume.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
Salary : $18 - $22