UGA Grand Farm – Director of Operations

Posting Number S13007P

Working Title UGA Grand Farm – Director of Operations

Department CAES-Assoc Dean for Research

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 https://ugagrandfarm.caes.uga.edu/

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 

Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm with weekends, holidays, nights, etc. as needed

Advertised Salary $70,000

Posting Date 12/09/2024

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date 

Proposed Starting Date 03/01/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Location of Vacancy Tifton 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 Facilities Manager

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
• Master of Science in an agricultural field.
• Experience and a thorough knowledge in the production of peanuts, cotton, corn and soybeans in a production setting in the central/southern region of the state of Georgia.
• Working knowledge of modern precision agriculture technologies, modern irrigation systems i.e. center pivots, linears, etc.

Position SummaryThe University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) started development of a 230-acre precision agriculture demonstration farm, UGA Grand Farm in Perry, GA, and is seeking an experienced individual to provide leadership and management of the farm and facilities. The CAES will work closely with Grand Farm (https://ugagrandfarm.caes.uga.edu/) to build an agricultural innovation ecosystem at this farm. The Director of Operations will make all decisions related to the management of crops, demonstration, research or otherwise, at the UGA Grand Farm, based on the activities of the commercial partners. The incumbent will plan, organize, supervise, and participate in the day-to-day operations of the UGA Grand Farm and will be responsible for developing procedures for the management and operation of the farm including facilities, equipment, management of commercial crop production and sales, budget development and prioritization and personnel management. The Director will ensure that field activities are planned and executed in a timely fashion to ensure the highest quality of production.

The Director will work closely with Grand Farm, Fargo, ND leadership to ensure seamless and productive communication between UGA, Grand Farm and UGA Grand Farm partners. The Director will foster an environment that is conducive to effective teamwork while projecting a positive image of The University of Georgia and Grand Farm. The Director will develop and maintain productive working relationships with stakeholders across Georgia, along with community leaders in the Houston County/Perry, GA. area.

UGA Grand Farm will include demonstration/research plots from public and private partners who may not be on site in Perry, Ga. As such, the Director is expected to have a good working knowledge of the scientific method as it applies to plant-based field research. The director will lead a team that will be responsible for the research-related work in the plots, such as treatment applications, record keeping, data collection and generating reports detailing processes and results. As such, the Director is expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills.

The Director will provide input to CAES administration and be an integral part of developing UGA Grand Farm into a leading agricultural innovation space in the southeastern United States.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies 

• Extensive knowledge of row-crop production in this region of the state of Georgia
• Experience working with precision agriculture technologies and applications
• Demonstrated supervisory experience
• Working knowledge of irrigation systems used in production agriculture
• Hold a State of Georgia issued private pesticide applicators license
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Basic knowledge of maintenance and repair of agricultural equipment
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

Physical Demands 

• Work outside in all weather conditions, weekends, nights, holidays, etc.
• Lift at least 75 lbs.
• Driving to carry out 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 

Project Management

• Coordinate research/demonstration plot planning and development with Grand Farm leadership.
• Execute research/demonstration protocols, compile results and disseminate to appropriate parties.

Percentage of time 30

Duties/Responsibilities 

Physical Plant Management

• Manage all facets of commercial crop production and sales in a timely and efficient manner.
• Oversee the development, maintenance and repair of the physical plant including buildings, fences, grounds, landscaping, etc. Includes developing/meeting budgetary and financial requirements to operate the UGA Grand Farm.
• Utilize current CAES “best management practices” for crop production.

Percentage of time 30

Duties/Responsibilities 

Personnel management

• Recruit, develop, supervise and organize full- and part-time UGA employees to achieve short- and long-term goals for the unit.
• Includes communicating long- and short-term goals, conducting annual performance evaluations, resolving disputes, promoting a culture of teamwork and fiscal sustainability.

Percentage of time 20

Duties/Responsibilities 

Education, Outreach and Public Relations

• Promote the use of the facility for conducting demonstration and research that addresses local needs, communicating and fostering positive relationships with staff, Grand Farm leadership, CAES administration, and the area agricultural community, assisting/participating with field days, demonstration events, etc.

Percentage of time 10

Duties/Responsibilities 

Policy Management

• Develop and enforce policies, procedures and protocols for the management and operation of the facility, equipment, commercial crop production and sales.
• Adhere to and promote UGA policies regarding finances, ethics, safety, etc.

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 Eric Elsner

Recruitment Contact Email eelsner@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone 

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