Sr Agricultural Specialist – JPC-REC Iron Horse Farm

Posting Number S12882P

Working Title Sr Agricultural Specialist – JPC-REC Iron Horse Farm

Department CAES-Campbell Rsch & Ed Ctr

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 

College/Unit/Department website 

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule 

Additional Schedule Information 

To be determined by Farm Manager and/or Superintendent.

Advertised Salary $48,000

Posting Date 11/08/2024

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date 

Proposed Starting Date 12/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement 

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).

USG Core Values Statement 

The 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 Technical/Paraprofessional/Professional

FLSA Non-Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum QualificationsRequires 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Position SummaryThis job assists the Farm Manager in the day-to-day operation of a 660-acre complex research farm. Tasks include, but are not limited to, supervision of labor, managing irrigation schedule, applying pesticides, soil health protocols, monitor walk-in coolers, freezers and sample drying facilities along with temporarily assuming farm manager responsibilities in the event of the farm manager’s absence. This position will maintain PCard access.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies 

• Extensive knowledge of how a large research facility operates
• Ability to calculate various chemical and fertilizer rates
• Knowledge of repair and maintenance of industrial farm equipment

Physical Demands 

• Lift 75 lbs.
• Driving as needed to perform job related duties.
• Withstand prolonged exposure to variable weather conditions.

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/ResponsibilitiesIrrigation Lead

• With input from Farm Manager, schedule and manage irrigation of research and farm crops
• Utilize web-based applications to determine site specific irrigation requirements of various crops based on crop type, planting date, research protocols and current weather conditions/forecasts
• Maintain accurate records of irrigation and rainfall events as they pertain to research and field crops and will make that information available to researchers either upon request or at the end of the crop season.
• Ensure that irrigators are serviced on a regular basis, winterized and ready for operation prior to the beginning of each crop season.
• Responsible for creating and carrying out irrigation prescriptions based on crop needs and/or research protocols as the Iron Horse Farm adds variable rate capabilities to its irrigation infrastructure

Percentage of time 25

Duties/ResponsibilitiesPesticide Applications

• With input from Farm Manager and researchers, schedule and make timely, accurate and environmentally sound applications of pesticides to research and field crops according to established Extension guidelines and/or previously agreed upon research protocols.
• Keep detailed and current records of all pesticide applications that occur on the farm, whether made by farm or research staff. Make records available to researchers, regulatory agencies, etc. either upon request or at the end of the growing season.

Percentage of time 25

Duties/ResponsibilitiesField Support

• Support normal farm operations on both research and field crops on an as-needed/as-directed basis by the Farm Manager.
• Includes but is not limited to nutrient applications, tillage, planting, spraying, harvesting, etc.

Percentage of time 25

Duties/Responsibilities 

Precision Agriculture

• With guidance from the Farm Manager, responsible for precision agriculture-related activities on the Iron Horse Farm.
• Carry out ‘digital planning’ duties to include but not be limited to:
• Creating and maintaining field boundaries, management zones, prescription maps, and historical application records
• Providing Farm Manager with management options based on data collected from precision agriculture technologies available to the farm.
• Stay current on modern precision agriculture technologies and assist/advise Farm Manager and REC Superintendent with opportunities to increase the precision agriculture footprint.

Percentage of time 20

Duties/Responsibilities 

Farm Management

• In the event of either a planned or unplanned absence of the Farm Manager, this position will temporarily assume the responsibilities of the Farm Manager until their return.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Details 

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

Recruitment Contact Name Eric Elsner

Recruitment Contact Email eelsner@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone 

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