Farm Operations Professional I - Chavez (2)

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Farm Operations Manager in Athens, Georgia, responsible for managing day-to-day operations of farm research projects focused on stone fruits and pecans. The role includes directing planting, irrigation, harvesting, and equipment maintenance while collaborating with project leaders on field experiments.

This position requires significant agricultural experience and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. You will lead seasonal staff and ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations in a dynamic research environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture or similar field.
• Experience in farm management or maintenance preferred.
• Georgia Pesticide Applicator's license required (or ability to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Oversee planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Manage soil preparation and nutrient management.
• Monitor diseases, pests, and plan applications.

Skills

Biological science understanding

Pest scouting

Horticultural production

Agricultural experience

Tractor operation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Farm tractors

Pesticide sprayer

Heavy equipment

Job description

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 the operation of farm tractors (greater than or equal to 50 horsepower) with associated implements/attachments and other heavy equipment, 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 the 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 and monitoring 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

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2‑year degree, professional certificate, or extensive farming experience. The ideal candidate will have documented and verifiable agricultural experience, preferably related to horticulture.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Basic understanding of biological science, preferably in the field of Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Pathology, and/or experience in farm management or maintenance.
• Experienced in scouting pests and diseases in the field.
• Understanding of horticultural production.
• Documented and verifiable agricultural experiences, preferably related to fruit and nut production.
• Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s license (or able to obtain within 90 days).
• Significant experience in operating tractors (≥ 50 horsepower), and implementing farm 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.
• Some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending.
• In many situations, the duration of the activity (such as most of a work day) contributes to the arduous nature of the job.
• In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity, such as exceptional hand/eye coordination.
• Driving to perform job-related tasks.

Driving Responsibility

Yes

Position of Trust

No

Financial Resources

No

Credit Card Policy

No credit card required. A credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including criminal background check, confirmation of credentials and employment history, and if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. A pre-employment drug test may be required for positions with high-risk responsibilities.

Duties/Responsibilities (50%)

• Planting, irrigation, and harvesting, with a focus on fruit crops.
• Manage soil preparation and nutrient management.
• Monitor for diseases and plan applications.
• Ensure the quality of harvested produce meets research standards.
• Mowing, weed eating, herbicide applications, fence repair and installation.
• Maintain equipment used in the field including tractors, mowers, string trimmers, backpack sprayers, motorized or battery-operated sprayers, tillers and hand tools.
• Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning and coordinate maintenance or repairs.

Duties/Responsibilities (25%)

• Collaborate with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments.
• Modify and execute field experiments to maintain the uniform conditions of the research study to control pest and maintain disease management.
• Collection of soil samples, fertilizer applications, field preparation, planting and clean-up of field experiments.
• Execute seeding plans for the upcoming season.
• Monitor weather conditions, record data and manage the irrigation system.
• Maintain records of trees and planting blocks.

Duties/Responsibilities (15%)

• Develop and coordinate maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities.
• Manage property maintenance tasks, including fences and structures.
• Operate heavy machinery and specialized equipment (tractors, trucks and motorized sprayers).
• Perform operational planning as it relates to field supplies and pruning.
• Create schedules to operate equipment to prepare for plot turnover, irrigation, spraying and pruning.

Duties/Responsibilities (10%)

• Assist in hiring staff and supervise seasonal workers and interns. This includes ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed in the field and labs.
• Ensuring adherence to all local, state and federal regulations. Maintain adequate records for OSHA and the EPA on materials used.
• Report field evaluations to team in planning irrigation, mowing, pests and equipment care.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.