AREC Agricultural Specialist

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

The Attapulgus Research and Education Center is located in the southwest corner of Georgia, about five miles north of the state line. Established in 1939, the center continues to help support area farmers by researching crops that can be adapted to the sandy coastal plain soil and local weather conditions.

To be determined by Superintendent and/or Farm Manager

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran 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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Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

This position will assist in carrying out the goals of the Attapulgus Research and Education Center. The incumbent works under the general supervision of the Farm Manager but is expected to demonstrate initiative in carrying out the duties of this position.

The incumbent assists in the establishment and maintenance of crops in the support of research and demonstration projects initiated from CAES faculty. Duties include soil sampling, fertilizing, seedbed preparation, planting, scouting for pests, spraying, irrigation scheduling, and harvesting. The employee will perform data collection, inventory management, and record keeping as part of this position. The incumbent will also assist in the maintenance, repair, and security of the physical plant including buildings, fences, grounds, and landscaping.

- Knowledge of crop cultural practices including plant pest identification and control.

- Awareness of plant and soil science research methods and procedures, soil fertility and testing, proper pesticide usage and safety.

- Computer skills and familiarity with modern crop management technologies including GPS Guidance Systems and Variable Rate Irrigation practices.

- Familiarity with farm equipment and materials, and experience with basic carpentry, plumbing and electrical work.

- Ability to maintain effective working relations with research scientists, technicians, and grad students.

- Possess a Private Pesticide applicators license or obtain one within first few months of employment.

Sit or stand for extended periods. Work outside under extreme heat and cold weather. Lift up to 50 pounds. Bend over repeatedly. Climb on large agricultural equipment. Operate hand tools. Operate farm machinery. Driving and pulling trailers on public roads to perform job related responsibilities.

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.

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.

Machinery Operation: Operate tillage, spraying, and harvesting equipment in a research farm setting. Equipment includes but not limited to tractors, sprayers, harvesters, mowers, dozers, and backhoes.

Equipment and Facilities Maintenance: Perform minor mechanical, electrical, welding, and other repairs to equipment, barns, and irrigation equipment as well as routine janitorial upkeep.

Maintain Inventories of Pesticides and Other Crop Inputs: Keep equipment maintenance logs, equipment inventories, and related supplies. Maintain inventory of shop tools and related consumables. Other duties as deemed necessary by the Farm Manager.

Grounds/Landscape Maintenance: Operate large rotary mowers, lawn mowers, power saws, and chipping equipment to keep grounds presentable for public.

Assist with Research Efforts: Assist in the layout and establishment of study areas according to prescribed protocols. Assist with study maintenance including mowing and alley upkeep, fertilizing and irrigating. Assist with taking data in research plots. Assist in sampling and preparing soil, water, and plant samples for testing and analysis.