Farm Operations Technician I Orchard & Research

Posting Details Posting Details Posting Number S14553P Working Title Farm Operations Professional I - Chavez (1) Department CAES-Horticulture About the University of Georgia Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university ( . The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine. About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website Posting Type External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information Monday - Friday; 8am-5pm Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 01/05/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 02/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Other Middle Georgia Area EEO Policy Statement The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( View email address on click.appcast.io ). USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom. Position Information Classification Title Farm Operations Pro I FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent Preferred Qualifications Technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, professional certificate, or extensive farming experience. The ideal candidate will have documented and verifiable agricultural experience, preferably related to horticulture. Position Summary This position directs the day-to-day management of farm operations, encompassing planting, irrigation, and harvesting to provide essential research support for the stone fruit and pecan research projects at the USDA-ARS Fruit and Tree Nut research Lab located at Byron, GA. The incumbent will manage the various phases of the research projects by performing largely independent farming duties within pecan and peach orchard settings. Key technical duties include the operation of farm tractors (greater than or equal to 50 horsepower) with associated implements/attachments and other heavy equipment, pesticide sprayer calibration and application, mowing, planting, and harvesting, and equipment repair. The role involves coordination and collaboration with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments. This position will modify and execute field experiments to maintain the uniform conditions of the research study. Specific technical management tasks involve scouting orchards for disease and pest issues, monitoring plant and soil nutrient levels, managing applications and pesticide planning, and maintaining and monitoring irrigation systems. The incumbent will be responsible for creating detailed schedules for planting, irrigation, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, training, and planting orchards. This position will assist in the hiring, training, and direct supervision of seasonal workers and staff, ensuring efficient execution of all farm and research-related tasks. This is a grant-funded position with continued employment beyond 08/31/2026 based on the needs of the project as well as available funding and satisfactory job performance and progress. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Basic understanding of biological science preferably in the field of Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Pathology, and or experience in farm management or maintenance Experienced in scouting pests and diseases in field. Understanding of horticultural production. Documented and verifiable agricultural experiences, preferably related to fruit and nut production. Georgia Pesticide Applicator's license (or ability to obtain within 90 days). Significant experience in operating tractors (>/= 50 horsepower), and implementing farm management procedures such as pesticides sprays, mowing, planting, harvesting and heavy equipment repair. Physical Demands Lift 40 pounds, work outside under high heat and humidity. Some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending. In many situations the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special needs for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Driving to perform job-related tasks Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes Is this a Position of Trust? No Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) No Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website . Background Investigation Policy Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website . Duties/Responsibilities Duties/Responsibilities Directing Daily Farm Operations: Planting, irrigation, and harvesting, with a focus on fruit crops. Manage soil preparation and nutrient management. Monitor for diseases and plan applications. Ensure the quality of harvested produce meets research standards. Mowing, weed eating, herbicide applications, fence repair and installation. Maintain equipment used in the field including tractors, mowers, string trimmers, backpack sprayers, motorized or battery-operated sprayers, tillers and hand tools. Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning and coordinate maintenance or repairs. Percentage of time 50 Duties/Responsibilities Collaborate with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments. Modify and execute field experiments to maintain the uniform conditions of the research study to control pest and maintain disease management. Collection of soil samples, fertilizer applications, field preparation, planting and clean-up of field experiments. Execute seeding plans for the upcoming season. Monitor weather conditions, record data and manage the irrigation system. Maintain records of trees and planting blocks. Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities Develop and coordinate maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities. Manage property maintenance tasks, including fences and structures. Operate heavy machinery and specialized equipment (tractors, trucks and motorized sprayers). Perform operational planning as it relates to field supplies and pruning. Create schedules to operate equipment to prepare for plot turnover, irrigation, spraying and pruning. Percentage of time 15 Duties/Responsibilities Assist in hiring staff and supervise seasonal workers and interns. This includes ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed in the field and labs. Ensuring adherence to all local, state and federal regulations. Maintain adequate records for OSHA and the EPA on materials used. Report field evaluations to team in planning irrigation, mowing, pests and equipment care. Percentage of time 10 Contact Information Recruitment Contact Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name Dario Chavez Recruitment Contact Email View email address on click.appcast.io Recruitment Contact Phone Posting Specific Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume/CV Cover Letter List of References with Contact Information Optional Documents #J-18808-Ljbffr