Horticulture Student Assistant-Sugimoto 2

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 16,531 - 22,041; Part time

Job summary

The University of Georgia invites applications for a Student Assistant (0.50 FTE) to support fruit and vegetable quality research through field, lab, and storage activities. The role includes sample preparation, data collection, and maintaining lab space under supervision of the lab manager.

Responsibilities span field collection, quality analyses, and assisting in day-to-day lab operations; a High School Diploma with agriculture/horticulture experience is preferred, with MS Office skills and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma with experience working in agriculture/horticulture.
• Prior experience in fieldwork, laboratory procedures, postharvest quality evaluations will be a plus.
• Competence in basic MS Office software applications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field, laboratory, storage-based research projects including setup, treatment applications, and data collection.
• Collect fruit from the field and analyze fruit quality data in the lab.
• Treat to extend shelf-life of harvested products.
• Monitor and set up storage room conditions (temp, humidity, O2/CO2) during storage.
• Support ongoing research and ensure successful project implementation.
• Assist in daily laboratory operations, including cleaning and equipment maintenance.

Skills

Fieldwork

Lab procedures

MS Office

Teamwork

Written/Verbal communication

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Position Summary

The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting fruit and vegetable quality to extend shelf‑life and agricultural product development through field, laboratory, and storage‑based research. The incumbent will assist in sample preparation in the lab and data collection for produce quality‑related analyses. The role also includes upkeep of laboratory space and requires data entry. All tasks will be performed under the direction and supervision of the lab manager.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Conduct field, laboratory, storage‑based research projects including project set‑up, treatment applications, and data collection.
• Collect fruit from the field and analyze fruit quality data including fruit weight, color, sugar, acidity, firmness, ethylene production, respiration, disorders, etc. in the lab.
• Treat to extend the shelf‑life of harvested products.
• Monitor and set up storage room conditions (temperature, relative humidity, O2/CO2 levels) during storage.
• Support ongoing research and ensure successful project implementation.
• Assist in daily laboratory operations, including cleaning and equipment maintenance.

Classification Title

Student Assistant

FLSA

Non‑Exempt

FTE

0.50

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification

High School Diploma with experience working in agriculture/horticulture.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Prior experience in fieldwork, laboratory procedures, postharvest quality evaluations will be a plus.
• Competence in basic MS Office software applications.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills.

Physical Demands

• Working in various environmental conditions (cold, hot, humid).
• Driving as needed.

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P‑Card?

No

Is having a P‑Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a requirement of this position?

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access?

Yes

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job‑based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre‑employment drug test for positions with high‑risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name

Tara Riner

Recruitment Contact Email

[e-mail]

Equal Opportunity 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, or 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 at [e-mail].

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning and the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.