Farm Manager - UGA Grand Farm

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Farm Manager for the Grand Farm to oversee maintenance, research trials, and staff at UGAGF. Located at Perry, GA, the role reports to the Director of Operations and coordinates with CAES faculty and Grand Farm partners to implement protocols and manage field operations.

You will supervise full-time and part-time workers, manage budgets, operate tillage, planting, spraying, irrigation equipment, and ensure records are kept accurately.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
• Experience in research or academic farm environments.
• Knowledge of farm equipment and safety procedures.
• Experience in records keeping and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute complex research projects at UGAGF.
• Supervise full-time and part-time staff in field activities.
• Maintain records of tillage, irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticide use.
• Ensure grounds and facilities reflect a positive research center image.
• Oversee maintenance and security of farm equipment and irrigation systems.

Skills

Effective communication

Team-building

Precision agriculture

GPS guidance systems

Farm budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Posting Number:

S15517P

Working Title:

Farm Manager - UGA Grand Farm

Department:

CAES-Grand 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.

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

Monday – Friday, 8am-5pm – schedule may vary based on needs of the farm.

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date:

07/28/2026

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

09/01/2026

Location of Vacancy:

Athens 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 ([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.

Classification Title:

Maintenance Professional I

FLSA:

Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent

Position Summary:

The incumbent will be located at the University of Georgia Grand Farm in Perry, GA. Under the supervision of the Director of Operations, the position will be responsible for implementing research and demonstration trial protocols provided by the Director of Operations, Grand Farm partners, and CAES faculty. The Farm Manager will oversee the maintenance, repair, and security of the physical plant, farm equipment, fences, grounds, and landscaping. They will supervise and train full-time and part-time employees in the safe operation and use of equipment and pesticides. The Farm Manager will work closely with the Director of Operations to coordinate research and demonstration projects. The Farm Manager will work effectively with a wide variety of people in an effort to create an environment where partners and researchers have the opportunity to conduct successful research. The Farm Manager will keep detailed and accurate records of all farm-related activities.

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

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:

• Works closely with the Director, partners, and researchers to plan, coordinate, and execute complex projects including all phases of research and development trials, demonstration areas, and crop production at UGAGF.
• Makes daily work assignments, anticipates job responsibilities, and develops work schedules.
• Supervises filed research personnel (full-time and part-time) involved in all phases of implementing research protocols, including land preparation, planting, cultivating, fertilizing, scouting, spraying, irrigating, harvesting, and storing or disposal of field crops.
• Maintains detailed records, field management log/history file of all activities (tillage operations, irrigation amounts, fertilizer, and pesticide applications, etc.) in acceptable manner and records are available upon request.

Percentage of time:

60

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute in conjunction with the superintendent, other aspects of the research, demonstration and outreach activities at the UGAGF including field days, student tours, VIP tours, extension training, etc.
• Oversees 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.
• Responsible for ensuring that grounds/facilities at UGAGF are well-maintained and reflect a positive image of a research and education center.
• Supervise and assist in the installation and operation of sprinkler irrigation systems (laterals, pivots, solid sets, etc.)

Percentage of time:

40

Contact Details:

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name:

Eric Elsner

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]