Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center – Farm Manager

Posting Number S11954P

Working Title Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center – Farm Manager

Department CAES-Southeast District CES

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 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, Evening and weekend work required.

Advertised Salary $70,000 – Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date 04/17/2024

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date 

Proposed Starting Date 07/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants 

Location of Vacancy SE District

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 ([email protected]).

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 SummaryThe Farm Manager at the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center’s (VOVRC) primary responsibilities are to oversee and manage the day to day responsibilities of the center. VOVRC utilizes farm labor from Rogers State Prison, and the coordination of this labor force is a major responsibility of this position. The Farm Manager will work with the guard and inmate crew to carry out the day to day operations of the farm. The Farm Manager will also direct and coordinate other farm duties with other UGA staff at the farm. This includes but is not limited to management of farm operations that include: planting, harvesting, tillage, and application of pesticides for research and other trials at the center. The position is also responsible for facility maintenance that includes upkeep of farm equipment, facility buildings, and farmland.

The Farm Manager will work under the direction of the Onion Area Agent to maintain inventory and farm supplies. This will involve a working knowledge of proper UGA purchasing procedures. The Farm Manager will manage purchasing, ordering, and record-keeping of needed inventory for the farm.

The Farm Manager will be responsible for pesticide applications at the farm. This includes proper application, storage, record-keeping, and safe use of pesticides, as well as supervision of other workers who are using pesticides. The Farm Manager will possess and maintain a Georgia Commercial or Private Applicator License.

• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
• Excellent working knowledge and experience working with all materials, equipment, tools, methods, and techniques used in establishing blueberry fields, repair and maintenance of equipment, and care of blueberry fields.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge in small engine repair and maintenance.
• Extensive knowledge of plants, herbicides, fertilizers, and other chemicals used in grounds work.
• Excellent scientific, record-keeping, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills are essential.
• Ability to work in a team setting and independently as directed.
• Ability to manage a team and demonstrated team-building skills.

Physical DemandsLift 50 lbs. or more, but not excessive for this position. Adaptive to working in various weather conditions. Stand for various lengths of time at work stations or grounds area to perform needed tasks. Driving as needed to perform job related 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? Yes

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
• Supervise and direct UGA Staff, Corrections Officer, and inmate labor crew with day to day farm operations. This will include prioritizing and assigning farm duties to ensure the needed tasks are done in a timely manner.
• This is a “working manager” role. Incumbent will independently manage facilities, equipment maintenance, and other farm operations.
• Incumbent will have hands-on involvement with data collection, including pruning, planting, and harvesting. Additionally, the manager will be expected to ensure that irrigation and frost protection systems are utilized as needed outside of normal work schedules.
• Works cooperatively with the scientists and county agents to coordinate activities, including hedging, pesticide application, irrigation, equipment repairs, crop harvest and research.
• Communicates with faculty members and adheres to research protocols.
• Works with research scientists to develop and improve standard operating procedures.
• Considers the impact on research and study integrity before making changes to facilities management and equipment.

Percentage of time 60

• Duties/Responsibilities
• Using the P-Card, purchases supplies and inventory as necessary for farm operations in coordination with the Onion Area Agent and SE District Finance team.
• Assists in researching capital equipment acquisitions and making purchase recommendations. Participates in short- and long-term strategic planning.
• Makes recommendation for enhanced workflow and efficiency. Develops replacement timelines for acquisition of new equipment.
• Maintains computerized records on equipment usage, maintenance, repairs, and related inventory items.
• Maintains electronic records, including but not limited to field operations, waste, herd management.
• Maintains excellent relations and communications with Internal and external audiences including scientists, research technicians, county agents, industry and association.

Percentage of time 30

Duties/ResponsibilitiesGeneral:

• Pesticide Safety. Farm Manager will oversee the safe use and storage of pesticide on the farm. This will include maintaining a Commercial or Private applicators license, and keeping proper records of pesticide use on the farm.
• Works with faculty and county agents to facilitate farm visits for industry, classes, and field days.
• Complies with all UGA/USG policies, procedures, and training requirements.
• 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 Chris Tyson

Recruitment Contact Email [email protected]

Recruitment Contact Phone 

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