Inside Higher Ed
Posting Number:
S14554P Working Title:
Farm Operations Professional I - Chavez (3) Department:
CAES-Horticulture Location:
Other Middle Georgia Area; Other Middle Georgia Area Employment Type:
Employee; Full Time Schedule:
Monday-Friday; 8am – 5pm Salary:
Commensurate with Experience Preferred Starting Date:
02/01/2026 Position Summary
This grant‑funded 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 (≥ 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. The 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. 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. Documented and verifiable agricultural experience, preferably related to horticulture. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and 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 able to obtain within 90 days). Significant experience in operating tractors (≥ 50 horsepower), and implementing farm management procedures such as pesticide 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 contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Driving to perform job related tasks. Duties and Responsibilities
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. 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. 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. Assist in hiring staff and supervise seasonal workers and interns, including 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 the team for planning irrigation, mowing, pests and equipment care. 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, 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 (hrweb@uga.edu).
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S14554P Working Title:
Farm Operations Professional I - Chavez (3) Department:
CAES-Horticulture Location:
Other Middle Georgia Area; Other Middle Georgia Area Employment Type:
Employee; Full Time Schedule:
Monday-Friday; 8am – 5pm Salary:
Commensurate with Experience Preferred Starting Date:
02/01/2026 Position Summary
This grant‑funded 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 (≥ 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. The 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. 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. Documented and verifiable agricultural experience, preferably related to horticulture. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and 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 able to obtain within 90 days). Significant experience in operating tractors (≥ 50 horsepower), and implementing farm management procedures such as pesticide 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 contributes to the arduous nature of the job. In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination. Driving to perform job related tasks. Duties and Responsibilities
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. 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. 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. Assist in hiring staff and supervise seasonal workers and interns, including 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 the team for planning irrigation, mowing, pests and equipment care. 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, 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 (hrweb@uga.edu).
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