Farm Manager - BREC Alapaha

UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia’s CAES-Blueberry Farm is seeking a Farm Manager to oversee day-to-day operations at the BREC‑Alapaha site, guiding tillage, planting, scouting, irrigation, harvest, and post-harvest activities. You will collaborate with researchers, faculty, and staff to support planned experiments and extension work.

The role emphasizes leadership, equipment upkeep, and compliance with budget and safety protocols, reporting to the BREC superintendent.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
• Experience with precision agriculture technologies and GPS guidance systems.
• Ability to manage day-to-day operations of the blueberry research farm.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated experience in farm budget management.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and execute complex research crop production at Blueberry REC – Alapaha.
• Make daily work assignments and develop schedules.
• Supervise field research personnel involved in implementing research protocols.
• Maintain detailed records and field management logs.
• Serve as primary PCard holder and process transactions.

Skills

Effective communication

Team-building

Organization & planning

Operate farm equipment

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Precision agriculture technologies

GPS guidance systems

Variable rate irrigation (VRI)

Job description

Posting Number S15609P Working Title Farm Manager - BREC Alapaha Department CAES-Blueberry Farm About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department College/Unit/Department website 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

Hours to be assigned by supervisor to meet the needs of the farm

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 08/17/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 10/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants Location of Vacancy Outside Athens 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 ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

Classification Title Grounds Professional II FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science


• Field experience in blueberry production


• Experience with modern precision agriculture technologies

Position Summary

The farm manager at the Blueberry Research and Education Center (BREC)-Alapaha is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the BREC – Alapaha. This includes but is not limited to management of farm operations that include tillage/bedding, planting, scouting, pest protection, scouting irrigation, frost/freeze protection, harvesting, post-harvest disposition of fruit, etc. The farm manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the blueberry research enterprise at the BREC-Alapaha. This includes working closely with the BREC superintendent and faculty, extension specialists, etc. to implement and manage complex research protocols to ensure that research and extension faculty, students, etc. receive the highest possible level of support on this farm for their programs. The farm manager will be responsible for the daily upkeep, maintenance and appearance of the equipment, facilities and grounds that are associated with the BREC-Alapaha. The farm manager will provide daily supervision to UGA staff who work at BREC-Alapaha and will report to the BREC superintendent. This position serves as the primary PCard holder for BREC- Alapaha.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies

• Effective communication and team-building skills


• Experience with precision agriculture technologies, including variable rate irrigation (VRI) and GPS guidance systems


• Strong organization and planning skills and the ability to coordinate multiple tasks


• Working knowledge to operate and calibrate tillage, planting, spraying, harvest, and irrigation equipment


• Demonstrated experience working in an industry or academic research facility


• Experience in farm budget management

Physical Demands

• Lift and climb ladders


• Walk and/or stand for extended periods


• Work in hot, humid conditions while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)


• Work varied schedules according to the needs of the farm


• Driving as needed to perform 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

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

• Work closely with the superintendent and researchers to plan, coordinate and execute complex projects including all phases of research crop production at Blueberry REC – Alapaha


• Make daily work assignments, anticipates job responsibilities, and develops work schedules.


• Supervise field research personnel (full-time and part-time) involved in all phases of implementing research protocols, including land preparation, planting, pruning, fertilizing, scouting, spraying, irrigating, harvesting and storing or disposal of field crops


• Maintain detailed records, field management log/history file of all activities in acceptable manner and records are available upon request


• Serve as a primary PCard holder, processing transactions in compliance with policy and established procedures

Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute in conjunction with the superintendent, other aspects of the research and outreach activities at the BREC like field days, student tours, VIP tours, extension training, etc


• Oversee maintenance, repairs, and security of the physical plant, farm equipment, fences, grounds, and landscaping


• Coordinate and/or order fertilizer, seed, pesticides, fuel, as well as materials, parts and supplies needed to carry out research activities while maintaining fiscal responsibility relative to BREC Alapaha budget


• Responsible for ensuring that grounds/facilities at BREC Alapaha are well-maintained and reflect a positive image of a research and education center


• Manage irrigation scheduling and events in blueberry fields and manages frost/freeze protection system(s) and operates as needed to protect plants from damage

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist in researching capital equipment acquisitions and making purchase recommendations to the superintendent and participates in short