Agricultural Specialist- Poultry Research Complex

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia in Athens seeks a hands-on Poultry Research Facilities Technician to operate and maintain the UGA Poultry Research Complex, care for research animals, and prep rooms for experiments.

You will assist scientists, keep breeding, feeding, health, and production records, and help with safety procedures and SOPs. This role requires lifting up to 50 pounds and occasional on-call duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience in animal care or poultry husbandry.
• Ability to operate agricultural equipment and lift 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Maintain breeding, feeding, health, and production records.
• Set up research facilities, methods, equipment, and procedures to adapt to research needs and animal care and use compliance.
• Train and supervise undergraduate student workers as needed.
• Develop facility SOPs and conduct training with research staff on operation and safety procedures.
• Maintain facility and equipment, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
• Maintain the grounds through mowing, weeding, and related tasks.
• Collaborate with Farm Manager, Assistant Farm Manager, and UGA FMD staff for maintenance and repairs.

Skills

Animal care

Poultry husbandry

Facility maintenance

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Position Summary

This incumbent is responsible for operating and maintaining the UGA Poultry Research Complex, providing care for research animals in accordance with UGA Animal Use and Care guidelines, preparing animal rooms for experiments, assisting scientists, cleaning rooms and facilities following experiments, and maintaining and repairing facilities and grounds. The position may also include additional duties as assigned by the Poultry Research Complex Manager.

Responsibilities

• Maintain breeding, feeding, health, and production records.
• Set up research facilities, methods, equipment, and procedures to adapt to research needs and animal care and use compliance.
• Train and supervise undergraduate student workers as needed.
• Develop facility SOPs and conduct training with research staff on operation and safety procedures.
• Maintain facility and equipment, ensuring safety, cleanliness, and functionality.
• Maintain the grounds through mowing, weeding, and related tasks.
• Collaborate with Farm Manager, Assistant Farm Manager, and UGA FMD staff for maintenance and repairs.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Understanding of animal research, poultry husbandry, animal care, and general agriculture practices.

Physical Demands

• Operate or learn to operate agricultural equipment.
• Repeatedly lift 50 pounds.
• Prepare, move, and dispense feed in 50‑pound bags; perform heavy manual labor occasionally.
• Drive to perform job‑related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., occasional weekends, holidays, and on‑call duties.

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 (<b>[e-mail]</b>).