Tifton Animal Science Farm Manager-FRS/ADS Tifton

Posting Number S09937P

Working Title Tifton Animal Science Farm Manager-FRS/ADS Tifton

Department CAES-Tifton Campus

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 

In 2018, The UGA Tifton Campus began a yearlong Centennial celebration with various events to commemorate its 100th anniversary of providing updated research to the community. 

Research is done on a wide range of commodities, including cotton, peanuts, vegetables and turf grass, all of which make agriculture the No. 1 industry in Georgia.

In 2004, a teaching program was initiated and it has been growing ever since. College-level instruction on campus is aimed at undergraduate and graduate-degree level study.

College/Unit/Department website http://www.caes.uga.edu/campuses/tifton/about/administrative-offices/field-research-services.html

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 

Schedule will be determined by supervisor

Advertised Salary Commensurate with education, experience and training

Posting Date 02/17/2023

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date 

Proposed Starting Date 04/01/2023

Special Instructions to Applicants 

This position is located in Tifton, GA, which is approximately 200 miles southwest of Athens, Georgia, 200 miles south of Atlanta, GA and approximately 70 miles north of the Florida line.

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 ([email protected]).

Classification Title Agriculture/Forestry Professional

FLSA Exempt

FTE 1.00

Minimum QualificationsRequires 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 

• Knowledge of livestock and forage problems, including identification of diseases, parasites and insect pests, weed species, nutrient deficiencies, and methods of prevention and treatment. 
• Have and maintain a valid driver’s license. 
• When on-call, must be able to arrive at the Farm within 20 minutes to address emergency situations.
• Experience with forage establishment, production, and management. 

Position Summary 

This incumbent is responsible for providing leadership and management at the Tifton Animal Science Farm and supervising full-time and temporary farm staff. Responsibilities include working cooperatively with the FRS Superintendent, ADS Senior Farm Manager and faculty in planning, organizing, directing, implementing, and completing tasks associated with daily operations. Research activities on the farm include small plot to large-scale field trials and animal feeding and grazing trials. This employee will be accountable for promoting the image of the University by maintaining the herd and farm in a neat and attractive manner. Supervisory activities will include training, evaluation, and scheduling work; implementing protocols to ensure proper animal care and health; maintaining animal and forage production; procuring feed ingredients, supplies, and equipment; and supporting research, extension, and instruction activities.

The successful candidate will be required to demonstrate technical competencies with seedbed preparation, planting, management, and harvest of forage crops. Furthermore, as an essential function of this position, the successful candidate will be required to hold and maintain Beef Quality Assurance certifications, a valid Georgia Pesticide Applicators license, and a Class A CDL license. If the successful candidate does not hold these certifications/licenses by their hire date, they will be required to acquire all Beef Quality Assurance certifications within 6 months, a Georgia Pesticide Applicators license within 3 months, and a Class A CDL license within 12 months from their start date of hire.

• The College will provide the successful candidate with full-tuition support and flextime towards their obtainment of a Class A CDL license, which is offered through Southern Regional Technical College. Please go to https://southernregional.edu/college-catalog/current/programs/commercial-truck-driving for more information about the program, application process, and requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies 

• Previous leadership and/or management experience leading a multi-functional team.
• Knowledge of livestock and forage production management practices required for the feeding and maintenance of beef cattle.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work activities involved in beef production, forage production, and field research work.
• Ability to maintain the farm, research, and beef management records as specified by research faculty and the ADS Senior Farm Manager.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to utilize computer technology.
• Be able to work with cattle using low-stress cattle handling and follow Beef Quality Assurance best practices.
• Ability to prioritize, plan, and direct coworkers and the ability to maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to be flexible and adjust priorities based on weather and research goals.
• Ability to acquire and maintain Beef Quality Assurance certifications within 6 months, a Georgia Pesticide Applicators license within 3 months, and a Class A CDL license within 12 months.
• Demonstrate technical competencies with seedbed preparation, planting, management, and harvest of forage crops.

Physical Demands 

• Lift, push and carry up to 75 pounds.
• Work in environmental extremes and outdoor conditions including heat, cold, wet.
• Work around livestock including dust, noise, smells, etc.
• 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? 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) 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 

Provides oversight and direction to Farm staff, operations, and research programs:

• This is a “working manager” role. Hands-on large animal care, farm operations, including field preparation, planting, and harvesting; and ongoing facilities and equipment maintenance. Additionally, the manager will be expected to ensure that animals are fed on the weekends and on holidays.
• Works cooperatively with the senior management and directs Farm Paraprofessionals to coordinate activities, including forage and livestock production, waste management, irrigation, equipment repairs, animal biosecurity, and research.
• Communicates with faculty members and adheres to research protocols.
• Considers the impact on research and study integrity before making changes to facilities and equipment.
• Using the P-Card, purchases supplies and inventory as necessary for farm operations in coordination with the ADS Senior Farm Manager and FRS Superintendent.
• Engages in positive coaching when directing students and inexperienced support personnel.
• Maintains electronic records, including but not limited to field operations, waste, herd management and P-card Works signoff and transaction logs.

Percentage of time 60

Duties/Responsibilities 

Routine Animal Care:

• Provides oversight of routine animal care, such as assessing animal health, administering routine vaccinations, effective treatment of sick/injured animals, and branding/tagging animals.
• Ensures staff and students are knowledgeable and comply with established standards and protocols.
• Provides documentation and immediate corrective action when animal health is in jeopardy.
• Works with FRS Superintendent, ADS Senior Farm Manager, and research teams to develop and improve standard operating procedures.

Percentage of time 30

Duties/Responsibilities 

General:

• Works with faculty to facilitate farm visits for industry, ranchers, classes, and field days.
• Complies with all UGA/USG policies, procedures, and training requirements.
• The individual may be asked to assist at the Alapaha Range Grazing Station and Irwinville Bull Test Facility.
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned.

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 Andy Carter

Recruitment Contact Email [email protected]

Recruitment Contact Phone 

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