Agricultural Specialist

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens seeks a Farm Operations Specialist to provide day‑to‑day operational support for beef cattle, dairy, sheep, swine and equine programs, assisting with forage production, facilities, and equipment maintenance.

You will work with faculty, staff and graduate students to ensure research, teaching and extension missions are accomplished, including herd management, nutrition, breeding support and routine repairs.

Qualifications

• Requires technical knowledge in livestock operations gained through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate.
• Knowledge of livestock management practices and agronomic practices for feeding cattle.
• Ability to repair mechanical issues on vehicles and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties under the Sr. Farm Manager's direction to maintain farm operations and facilities.
• Feed, plant, cultivate and harvest forages; operate farm machinery safely.
• Assist in AI breeding, calving, lambing, and herd management tasks.
• Support faculty, researchers and students in data collection and sample handling.
• Comply with university policies including recordkeeping and timekeeping.

Skills

Livestock management

Welding

Carpentry

Electrical work

Pesticide applicator license

BQA Certified

Beef AI Certification

Education

Apprenticeship

2-year degree or professional certificate

Job description

Position Summary

This position reports directly to the Senior Farm Manager in the Animal and Dairy Science Department (ADS) and ultimately to the Head of ADS. The principal duties of the position include, but are not limited to: providing day‑to‑day operational support under the direction of the Sr. Farm Manager of the beef cattle, dairy, sheep, swine and equine operations; direct involvement in forage production, facility maintenance and repairs; equipment operation, maintenance and repair; working with faculty and farm staff to ensure that the research, teaching and extension missions are accomplished.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires 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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge of livestock management practices and agronomic practices for growing and harvesting crops necessary for feeding beef cattle.
• Welding.
• Carpentry and basic electrical.
• Ability to repair mechanical issues with vehicles and equipment.
• Private pesticide applicators license.
• BQA Certified.
• Beef AI Certification.

Physical Demands

• Lift, push and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Work in environmental extremes and outdoor conditions including heat, cold, wet.
• Work with strong hand and arm dexterity.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties.

Duties / Responsibilities

Farm Operational / Facilities Support

• Perform assigned duties under the direction of the Sr. Farm Manager.
• Maintain farm operations and facilities to ensure the health and safety of research animals. Work involves all phases of cattle, sheep and land management for a number of animal scientists, research technicians and graduate students including pasture management, fence maintenance, row‑crop management, irrigation, pest control, etc.

Nutrition Maintenance

• Feed, plant, cultivate and harvest forages.
• Safely operate various machinery including tractor, skid‑steer, backhoe, dump truck, hay cutter, hay rake, hay tedder, hay balers (square and round), tillage and planting equipment.

Equipment Operation, Maintenance, and Repair

• Change blades on mowers; change oil and fluids.
• Correctly identify any malfunction and use required safety protocols.

Research Involvement

• Assist faculty, research technicians and students in the collection of research samples and data under the direction of the Farm Manager, Foreman, Sr. Farm Manager, and Scientists.

Herd Breeding Program / Calving, Lambing

• Assist in artificial insemination and embryo transfer; assist in breeding soundness exams and management of bulls.
• Aid cows and ewes when necessary; process calves; provide treatment and care for calves and lambs.

General

• Comply with all UGA policies including record keeping, timekeeping, etc.
• Other duties as assigned within the purpose and scope of the role.

Recruitment Contact

Name: Christa Dempsey

Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity 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, 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 ([e-mail]).