Farm Operations Professional I - Chavez (1)

NCSL International; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a Farm Operations Professional I to manage day-to-day farming activities for research projects in the Byron, GA area. Responsibilities include planting, irrigation, harvesting, pest/disease scouting, and coordinating field experiments with faculty.

Heavy equipment operation and supervision of seasonal staff are included. Qualifications include a related bachelor's degree (or equivalent), and a Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s license or timeline to obtain one.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent.
• Technical knowledge via apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, professional certificate, or extensive farming experience.
• Documented agricultural experience, preferably related to horticulture.
• Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s license (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Significant experience operating tractors (≥50 hp) and equipment for crop management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily farm operations: planting, irrigation, harvesting, and soil nutrient management.
• Coordinate and modify field experiments with faculty and project leaders.
• Maintain equipment and perform repairs; ensure safety and OSHA/EPA compliance.
• Supervise seasonal workers and interns, including training and scheduling.
• Maintain records of field evaluations, irrigation plans, pest/disease scouting, and data collection.

Skills

Tractor operation

Pest/disease scouting

Irrigation management

Field data recording

Pesticide application

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

2-year degree or professional certificate

Tools

Agricultural machinery

Sprayer calibration equipment

Job description

Farm Operations Professional I – Chavez

Location: Other Middle Georgia Area

Position Summary: This position directs the day‑to‑day management of farm operations, encompassing planting, irrigation, and harvesting to provide essential research support for the stone fruit and pecan research projects at the USDA – ARS Fruit and Tree Nut research Lab located at Byron, GA. The incumbent will manage the various phases of the research projects by performing largely independent farming duties within pecan and peach orchard settings. Key technical duties include operation of farm tractors (≥50 horsepower) with associated implements, pesticide sprayer calibration and application, mowing, planting, and harvesting, and equipment repair. The role involves coordination and collaboration with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments. This position will modify and execute field experiments to maintain uniform conditions of the research study. Specific technical management tasks involve scouting orchards for disease and pest issues, monitoring plant and soil nutrient levels, managing applications and pesticide planning, and maintaining irrigation systems. The incumbent will be responsible for creating detailed schedules for planting, irrigation, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, training, and planting orchards. This position will assist in the hiring, training, and direct supervision of seasonal workers and staff, ensuring efficient execution of all farm and research‑related tasks.

This is a grant‑funded position with continued employment beyond 08/31/2026 based on the needs of the project as well as available funding and satisfactory job performance and progress.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2‑year degree, professional certificate, or extensive farming experience.
• Documented and verifiable agricultural experience, preferably related to horticulture.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic understanding of biological science preferably in the field of Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Pathology, or experience in farm management or maintenance.
• Experience in scouting pests and diseases in field.
• Understanding of horticultural production.
• Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s license (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Significant experience operating tractors (≥50 horsepower) and implementing crop management procedures such as pesticide sprays, mowing, planting, harvesting and heavy equipment repair.

Physical Demands

• Lift 40 pounds, work outside under high heat and humidity.
• Regular walking or bending.
• Arduous nature of the job for extended periods.
• Special needs for agility or dexterity such as hand/eye coordination.
• Driving to perform job‑related tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Daily Farm Operations – 50%

• Planting, irrigation, and harvesting of fruit crops.
• Manage soil preparation and nutrient management.
• Monitor for diseases and plan applications.
• Ensure quality of harvested produce meets research standards.
• Mowing, weed control, herbicide applications, fence repair, and installation.
• Maintain field equipment including tractors, mowers, string trimmers, sprayers, tillers and hand tools.
• Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning and coordinate maintenance or repairs.

Field Experiment Coordination – 25%

• Collaborate with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments.
• Modify and execute field experiments to maintain uniform conditions of the research study.
• Collect soil samples, apply fertilizers, prepare fields, plant, and clean up field experiments.
• Execute seeding plans for the upcoming season.
• Monitor weather conditions, record data, and manage irrigation system.
• Maintain records of trees and planting blocks.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance – 15%

• Develop and coordinate maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities.
• Manage property maintenance tasks, including fences and structures.
• Operate heavy machinery and specialized equipment.
• Plan operational supplies and pruning needs.
• Create schedules for operating equipment for plot turnover, irrigation, spraying, and pruning.

Staff Supervision – 10%

• Assist in hiring staff and supervise seasonal workers and interns, ensuring safety protocols.
• Maintain OSHA and EPA compliance records.
• Report field evaluations to the team in planning irrigation, mowing, pests, and equipment care.

EEO 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]).