Farm Operations Professional I - Chavez (2)

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

Job summary

The University of Georgia is looking for a Farm Operations Professional I to manage the day-to-day activities of farm operations supporting research in stone fruit and pecan projects. This role involves independent farming duties, operation of heavy machinery, and collaboration with faculty on research activities. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree and strong experience in agriculture, specifically fruit and nut production. Responsibilities include planting, irrigation, equipment repair, and supervising seasonal workers.

Qualifications

• Documented and verifiable agricultural experience, preferably fruit and nut production.
• Technical knowledge acquired through apprenticeship or extensive farming experience.
• Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s license or ability to obtain within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Manage soil preparation and nutrient management.
• Monitor diseases, plan pesticide applications, and maintain quality standards.
• Collaborate with faculty on field-experiment design and execution.

Skills

Understanding of horticultural production

Experience scouting pests and diseases

Strong documentation and record-keeping skills

Capability to supervise seasonal workers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

High-horsepower tractors

Pesticide sprayers

Mowing equipment

Job description

Farm Operations Professional I – Chavez (2)

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 Laboratory located at Byron, GA. The incumbent will manage various phases of research projects by performing largely independent farming duties within pecan and peach orchard settings. Key technical duties include operation of high‑horsepower tractors, pesticide sprayer calibration and application, mowing, planting, harvesting, equipment repair, and coordination with faculty on the design and implementation of field experiments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
• Customary knowledge of biological science, preferably in agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, or plant pathology.
• Documented and verifiable agricultural experience, preferably fruit and nut production.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical knowledge acquired through apprenticeship, a 2‑year degree, professional certificate, or extensive farming experience.
• Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s license or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Significant experience operating tractors of 50 horsepower or greater and implementing farm‑management procedures such as pesticide sprays, mowing, planting, harvesting, and heavy equipment repair.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• Understanding of horticultural production and basic biology.
• Experience scouting pests and diseases in the field.
• Ability to plan and execute field experiments with uniform research conditions.
• Strong documentation and record‑keeping skills for soil samples, fertilizer applications, irrigation schedules, and equipment maintenance.
• Capability to supervise seasonal workers and staff.

Physical Demands

• Lift up to 40 pounds.
• Work outdoors in high heat and humidity.
• Regular walking, bending, and occasional heavy exertion.
• Driving required for job‑related tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Planting, irrigation, wether, and harvesting of fruit crops.
• Manage soil preparation and nutrient management.
• Monitor diseases, plan pesticide applications, and maintain quality standards for harvested produce.
• Mow, weedeater, apply herbicides, and repair fence and structures.
• Maintain and inspect field equipment, including tractors, mowers, sprayers, and hand tools.
• Collaborate with faculty and project leaders on field‑experiment design and execution.
• Prepare soil samples, fertilizer applications, and clean up after experiments.
• Operate heavy machinery and specialized equipment as needed.
• Coordinate maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities.
• Assist in hiring, training, and supervising seasonal workers and interns.
• Ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations and maintain OSHA/EPA records.
• Report field evaluations to the team for irrigation, mowing, pest management, and equipment care.

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, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Recruitment Contact

Name: Dario Chavez
Email: [e-mail]
Phone: (not provided)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

• Relevant certifications or transcripts
• Portfolio of relevant work