Extra-Help Agriculture Field Researcher Student Intern

Job Description

About the Job: Extra-Help Agriculture Field Researcher Student Intern

This position is with Merced County Cooperative Extension, offering an opportunity to work as an Extra-Help Agriculture Field Researcher Student Intern.

Please Note: Extra-Help employees are not entitled to County benefits and are limited to a maximum of 25 hours per week.

Examples of Duties

• Under close supervision, assist UCCE Advisors and staff with agriculture research projects.
• Perform data collection and data entry.
• Help with organizing and facilitating UCCE events and activities throughout Merced County.
• Maintain the resource library, supplies, and equipment storage.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desirable Education

Coursework in agriculture/horticulture (e.g., soils, plant science, weed management, etc.) is highly desirable.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain (e.g., tomato fields and orchards).
• Must be willing and able to work outside in hot and dusty conditions.
• Flexibility to be at work at 7:00 am, or work occasionally past 5:00 pm, is required. Half days are acceptable.
• Understanding that this is primarily an outdoor job, with most duties performed outdoors, is essential.
• Must possess and be able to maintain a valid California Driver’s license.
• Successful applicants will be required to meet at the UCCE office in Merced, then travel to various locations throughout the county.

Special Consideration for Disadvantaged Groups

Individuals who are, or have been, a dependent child in foster care, a homeless youth, or a formerly incarcerated youth as defined by Government Code section 31000.11 are encouraged to apply and will be given priority. If applying under this eligibility status, please indicate it on your application by answering the supplemental question. Prior to appointment, individuals claiming preference under these categories will be required to furnish documentation establishing their eligibility.

Employee Benefits Information for Extra-Help Positions

As an Extra-Help employee, please note the following regarding benefits:

• County Benefits: Extra-Help employees are not entitled to County-paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Employee Assistance Program benefits and are not eligible to participate in the Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Family Care Leave: Applies only to employees who work 1250 or more hours in any twelve-month period.
• Jury Duty: Extra-Help employees are not entitled to pay or receive reimbursement from the County for Jury Duty.
• Paid Time Benefits: Extra-Help employees are not entitled to paid bereavement, vacation, or holidays.
• Paid Sick Leave: Extra-Help employees are entitled to accrue up to five (5) paid sick days (40 hours) in a 12-month period.
• Social Security: Extra-help employment earnings are not covered under Social Security. Merced County provides an alternate plan – Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) – for extra-help employees who are otherwise not eligible for participation in the County’s retirement system.
• Compensation/Unemployment Insurance: The County does provide benefits to those eligible under the State Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance statutes.

Important Disclaimer

THIS BULLETIN IS NOT A CONTRACT AND DOES NOT CREATE CONTRACTUAL OR LEGAL RIGHTS ON BEHALF OF ANY EMPLOYEE. THIS BULLETIN IS SUBJECT OF BEING SUPPLEMENTED, MODIFIED, WITHDRAWN OR OTHERWISE CHANGED PENDING LABOR AGREEMENTS AND/OR AT THE DISCRETION OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER OR AS THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS DEEM NECESSARY.

For answers to specific questions regarding employee benefits, please call Human Resources at 209.385.7682.