Description

External Retirement Plan TRS Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information
Schedule to be determined by supervisor.
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 01/14/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 02/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include a list of at least 3 references and their contact information.
Location of Vacancy Tifton Area EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected 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.

Position Information

Classification Title Research Tech-Life Science I FLSA Non-Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture or Horticulture
• Prior experience in field production, equipment and working with vegetables (specifically, peppers, onions, tomatoes and snapbeans)

Position Summary
This position will have significant responsibility and involvement in the design, management, and interpretation of field research trials within the Department of Horticulture's Vegetable Breeding Program. The successful candidate will oversee vegetable breeding field and greenhouse research. Responsibilities include independently planning, supervising, and conducting experiments, maintaining detailed crop management records, collecting and analyzing data. PCARD
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Experience in field production, handling, maintenance.
• Experience in operating heavy equipment such as tractors.
• Basic understanding of vegetable production, field and greenhouse operations.
• Able to obtain pesticide applicator licenses.
• Able to comply with UGA Research policies as instructed.

Physical Demands

• Lift 50 pounds
• Work in hot and humid field conditions during summer months and cold field conditions during winter months
• Stand for long periods of time
• Driving as needed to perform job tasks

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

Duties/Responsibilities
Field Operations and Crop Management
This includes overseeing all aspects of field preparation and crop production for vegetable breeding trials. Responsibilities include:

• Field Preparation: Coordinating land preparation activities such as tillage, bed formation, irrigation setup, and soil amendments to ensure optimal conditions for planting.
• Crop Management: Implementing and monitoring crop care practices including planting, fertilization, irrigation scheduling, pest and disease management, and overall crop health maintenance throughout the growing season.
• Harvest Operations: Planning and supervising harvest activities to ensure accurate timing and proper handling of crops for research integrity.
• Data Collection: Recording detailed observations and measurements on plant growth, yield, quality traits, and other relevant parameters; ensuring data accuracy and completeness for research analysis.

Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities
Greenhouse Management
Responsible for all greenhouse operations supporting vegetable breeding research. Duties include:

• Environmental Control: Monitoring and adjusting temperature, humidity, light, and irrigation systems to maintain optimal growing conditions for diverse vegetable crops.
• Crop Production: Planning and executing greenhouse planting schedules, transplanting seedlings, and managing crop growth stages to ensure healthy plants for breeding trials.
• Pest and Disease Management: Implementing integrated pest management strategies and maintaining sanitation protocols to prevent infestations and diseases.
• Pollination and Breeding Activities: Coordinating controlled pollinations, seed collection, and other breeding tasks essential for research objectives.
• Record Keeping and Data Collection: Maintaining detailed logs of greenhouse activities, crop performance, and environmental conditions; collecting data for research analysis.
• Equipment and Safety Oversight: Ensuring proper maintenance of greenhouse equipment and adherence to safety standards.

Percentage of time 25 Duties/Responsibilities
Field Equipment Maintenance, Inventory Management, and Resource Planning
This responsibility encompasses ensuring operational efficiency and resource availability for vegetable breeding research. Duties include:

• Field Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine inspections, troubleshooting, and coordinating repairs for tractors, planters, irrigation systems, and other specialized research equipment to ensure reliability and safety.
• Inventory Management: Tracking and organizing supplies such as seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, and tools; maintaining accurate inventory records to prevent shortages or overstocking.
• Data Entry and Documentation: Recording equipment usage, maintenance logs, and inventory updates in digital systems for accountability and reporting purposes.
• Resource Forecasting: Anticipating seasonal and project-specific needs for materials, labor, and equipment; developing procurement plans to support research timelines.
• Purchasing Coordination: Initiating and managing purchase requests for supplies and equipment, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and budget constraints.

Percentage of time 10 Duties/Responsibilities
Other duties as assigned.
Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name Amol Nankar Recruitment Contact Email amolnankar@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

1. Other Documents #1