Farm Operations Professional I - Chavez (1)

University of Georgia; United States; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Farm Operations Professional I to manage daily farm operations, including planting and harvesting for research projects at the USDA-ARS Fruit and Tree Nut Research Lab in Georgia. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience in horticulture. Key responsibilities include operating heavy equipment, coordinating field experiments, and supervising interns. Applicants should possess a valid pesticide applicator’s license or be able to obtain one within 90 days.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Technical knowledge through apprenticeship, professional certificate, or extensive farming experience.
• Documented agricultural experience, preferably in horticulture.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily farm operations including planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Operate farm tractors and related heavy equipment.
• Calibrate and apply pesticides, maintain irrigation systems.
• Coordinate design and implementation of field experiments.
• Scout orchards for pests and monitor nutrient levels.
• Assist in hiring and training seasonal workers.
• Develop maintenance schedules for equipment.

Skills

Biological science understanding

Pest and disease scouting

Horticultural production knowledge

Georgia pesticide applicator’s license

Heavy equipment operation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Farm tractors (≥ 50 horsepower)

Job description

Farm Operations Professional I – Chavez (1)

Position Summary: The incumbent 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 in Byron, GA. The role involves coordination with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments and modification of field experiments to maintain uniform conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily farm operations including planting, irrigation, and harvesting of fruit crops.
• Operate farm tractors (≥ 50 horsepower) and related heavy equipment.
• Calibrate and apply pesticides, maintain irrigation systems, and manage soil and nutrient applications.
• Coordinate with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments.
• Scout orchards for pests and diseases, monitor plant and soil nutrient levels, and maintain detailed records.
• Assist in hiring, training, and supervising seasonal workers and interns.
• Develop and coordinate maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Basic understanding of biological science, including agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, and plant pathology.
• Experience scouting pests and diseases in field settings.
• Understanding of horticultural production practices.
• Georgia pesticide applicator’s license (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Experience operating tractors ≥ 50 horsepower and performing heavy equipment maintenance.

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 40 pounds.
• Work outdoors under high heat and humidity.
• Regular walking, bending, and occasional driving.

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact: Dario Chavez
Email: [e-mail]

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.