Farm Operations Specialist – Fruit & Nut Research

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 Professional I – Chavez (Other Middle Georgia Area) to oversee day-to-day farm operations supporting stone fruit and pecan research in Byron, GA. This role manages planting, irrigation, harvesting, and heavy equipment use, coordinating field experiments with faculty and project leaders.

Responsibilities include scheduling planting, irrigation, spraying, pruning, and training seasonal staff, while ensuring safety, compliance with regulations,

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Daily Farm Operations: Planting, irrigation, harvesting, soil prep, nutrient management, disease monitoring, pesticide applications, equipment maintenance.
• Field Experiments and Research Support: Collaborate on design and execution of field experiments, modify studies for uniform conditions, collect soil samples, monitor weather, manage irrigation.
• Equipment and Property Management: Maintain schedules for equipment and facilities, operate heavy machinery, plan field operations for plot turnover, pruning, irrigation and spraying.
• Staff Management and Compliance: Assist in hiring staff and supervise seasonal workers, ensure safety protocols, maintain records for OSHA and EPA, report field evaluations.

Skills

Biological science basics

Pest and disease scouting

Horticultural production understanding

Agricultural experience

Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s license

Tractor operation (≥50 hp) and heavy‑d

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Tractors ≥50 hp operation

Job description

The University of Georgia is seeking a Farm Operations Professional I – Chavez (Other Middle Georgia Area) to oversee day-to-day farm operations supporting stone fruit and pecan research in Byron, GA. This role manages planting, irrigation, harvesting, and heavy equipment use, coordinating field experiments with faculty and project leaders.

Responsibilities include scheduling planting, irrigation, spraying, pruning, and training seasonal staff, while ensuring safety, compliance with regulations,