Farm Manager – CM Stripling Irrigation Research Park

Posting Number S12877P

Working Title Farm Manager – CM Stripling Irrigation Research Park

Department CAES-Stripling Irrigation Rsch

About the University of Georgia 

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.

About the College/Unit/Department 

The Stripling Irrigation Research Park (SIRP) is one of eight off-campus research and education centers at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

SIRP consists of 130 acres in southwest Georgia in the lower Flint River basin. The Park is located in western Mitchell County and crops grown in research plots include cotton, corn, peanuts, soybeans, and occasionally sweet corn.

College/Unit/Department website https://striplingpark.caes.uga.edu/

Posting Type Internal (PEP)

Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule 

Additional Schedule Information 

Schedule to be determined by Superintendent.

Advertised Salary $65,000

Posting Date 11/06/2024

Open until filled No

Closing Date 11/14/2024

Proposed Starting Date 12/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants 

You must be a current employee of The University of Georgia to be eligible for this position.

Location of Vacancy Tifton Area

EEO Policy StatementThe 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).

USG Core Values StatementThe University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Classification Title Agriculture/Forestry Professional

FLSA Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications 

Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications 

Position Summary 

Incumbent will be responsible for:

• Planning, coordinating, and implementing research protocols provided by researchers (University and Federal).
• Overseeing the maintenance, repair, and security of the physical plant, farm equipment, fences, grounds, and landscaping.
• Supervising and training full-time and part-time employees in the safe operation and use of equipment and pesticides.
• Working closely and effectively with the Superintendent, CAES faculty, technical staff, and students to coordinate successful research projects.
• Supervising full-time and temporary staff and will be expected to keep detailed and accurate records of all farm-related activities.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
• Effective communication and team-building skills
• Experience with precision agriculture technologies, including variable rate irrigation (VRI) and GPS guidance systems
• Strong organization and planning skills and the ability to coordinate multiple tasks
• Working knowledge to operate and calibrate tillage, planting, spraying, harvest, and irrigation equipment
• Demonstrated experience working in an industry or academic research facility
• Experience in farm budget management
• Physical Demands
• Lift and climb ladders
• Walk and/or stand for extended periods
• Work in hot, humid conditions while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Work varied schedules according to the needs of the farm
• Driving as needed to perform job duties

Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes

Is this a Position of Trust? Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes

Does this position require a P-Card? Yes

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? Yes

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) Yes

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
• Work closely with the Superintendent and researchers to plan, coordinate, and execute complex projects including all phases of research crop production.
• Assign and oversee daily work assignments, anticipate job responsibilities, and develop work schedules.
• Supervise field research personnel (full-time and part-time) involved in all phases of implementing research protocols, including land preparation, planting, cultivating, fertilizing, scouting, spraying, irrigating, harvesting, and storing or disposal of field crops.
• Maintain detailed records, field management log/history file of all activities (tillage operations, irrigation amounts, fertilizer and pesticide applications etc.) in an acceptable manner and produce records upon request.

Percentage of time 40

• Duties/Responsibilities
• In conjunction with the Superintendent, plan, coordinate, and execute other aspects of the research and outreach activities at the SIRP such as field days, 4-H camps, student tours, VIP tours, extension training, etc.
• Oversee maintenance, repairs, and security of the physical plant, farm equipment, fences, grounds, and landscaping.
• Coordinate and/or order fertilizer, seed, pesticides, and fuel as well as materials, parts and supplies needed to carry out research activities.
• Responsible for ensuring that grounds/facilities at SIRP are well-maintained and reflect a positive image of a UGA CAES research and education center.
• Supervise and assist in the installation and operation of sprinkler irrigation systems (laterals, pivots, solid sets etc.), and micro irrigation systems (drip and spray) as well as associated sensors; ensures that sensor data is working properly.

Percentage of time 30

• Duties/Responsibilities
• Meet with university and federal government scientists to discuss research goals and help guide protocols, make land assignments, communicate regularly with scientists during the growing season, provide production, yield, and other records associated with research studies to researchers.
• Operate effectively within the farm budget.

Percentage of time 20

Duties/Responsibilities 

• Assist in researching capital equipment acquisitions and making purchase recommendations to the Superintendent and participates in short- and long-term strategic planning.
• Provide effective leadership to full- and part-time employees.
• Create and maintain a work environment where field research personnel understand the importance and impact of the research conducted at SIRP.
• Train field research personnel in safely operating and using farm equipment; enforce CAES and SIRP policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Collaborate with and assist other research and education centers, groups, or individuals on how to use and operate irrigation technologies such as variable rate irrigation or soil moisture sensors.

Percentage of time 10

Contact Details 

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. 

Recruitment Contact Name Amilcar Vargas

Recruitment Contact Email amilcar.vargas@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone

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