Research Technician-Horticulture, Tifton (Rubio-Ames)

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia seeks a full-time Research Technician-Horticulture for its Tifton campus. The role involves conducting experiments, collecting data, and assisting students with projects, focusing on temperature and fruit development in horticulture. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Agriculture and relevant research skills.

Qualifications

• Technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship or a 2-year degree.
• Preferred: Knowledge of satellite imagery and GIS.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field-based experiments studying temperature and fruit development.
• Collect and analyze data using thermo cameras and temperature sensors.
• Assist with planning and scheduling activities.

Skills

Farming Experience

Research Experience

Extension Experience

Greenhouse Experience

MS Office

Education

Associate’s degree in Agriculture

Job description

Posting Number:

S13318P

Working Title:

Research Technician-Horticulture, Tifton (Rubio-Ames)

Department:

CAES-Horticulture

About the University of Georgia:

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly formed School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department:

In 2018, The UGA Tifton Campus began a yearlong Centennial celebration with various events to commemorate its 100th anniversary of providing updated research to the community.

Research is done on a wide range of commodities, including cotton, peanuts, vegetables and turf grass, all of which make agriculture the No. 1 industry in Georgia.

In 2004, a teaching program was initiated and it has been growing ever since. College-level instruction on campus is aimed at undergraduate and graduate-degree level study.

College/Unit/Department website:

http://www.caes.uga.edu/campuses/tifton/departments/horticulture.html

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

40 hours per week with daily/weekly schedule to be determined by supervisor

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with education, experience and training

Posting Date:

02/28/2025

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

03/31/2025

Location of Vacancy:

Tifton Area

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, 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 ([e-mail]).

USG Core Values Statement:

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Classification Title:

Agriculture/Forestry Technical/Paraprofessional/Professional

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2-year degree, or professional certificate. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Associate’s degree in Agriculture
Knowledge of satellite imagery and GIS

Position Summary:

Technician will be working on field based experiments studying temperature and fruit development. They will collect data using a thermo camera and will collect, enter, and analyze data using images and temperature sensors. In addition, the technician will assist with implementing treatment applications and harvests with offsite growers and extension collaborators. Other duties include planning, ordering and scheduling activities to fulfil timelines, assisting students with projects and maintaining vehicles and equipment.

This position is paid from grant funds and continuation of employment beyond the grant fund expiration date will depend upon additional funds availability, needs of the project and satisfactory job performance.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Farming Experience
• Research Experience
• Extension Experience
• Greenhouse Experience
• MS Office

Physical Demands:

• Will work in harsh environments- hot, humid, wet and cold conditions.
• Lift 50 pounds
• Driving as needed to perform the duties of the job

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:

Yes

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

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 (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):

Yes

Credit and P-Card policy:

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

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.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Research and Data Entry

• Plan and execute small research trials including planting, crop maintenance and harvest
  • Coordinate plantings, treatment applications, and harvest with offsite growers
• Data collection
• Assist with Phd/Master student projects in the field and in growers field by helping collect data
• Data entry using Excel
• Write manuscripts and reports using statistical software

Percentage of time:

70

Duties/Responsibilities:

Lab and Greenhouse

• Postharvest laboratory work such as measuring titratable acidity using a titrator
• Maintain equipment in laboratory by performing calibrations
• Greenhouse work will require taking plant measurements, soil samples and repairing irrigation

Percentage of time:

20

Duties/Responsibilities:

Miscellaneous

• Perform safety trainings in PPE
• Other duties as assigned

Percentage of time:

10

Contact Details:

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

Recruitment Contact Name:

Dr. Zilfina Rubio-Ames

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]