Research Technician I - Iron Horse

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 38,750 - 52,360; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

TRS retirement plan

Benefits eligible

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Research Technician I to assist the CAES Campbell Research & Education Center operations on the 600 acre plant sciences farm in the Athens area.

The role supports farm management, field prep, planting, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and equipment maintenance, with routine collaboration with faculty, staff and students. Must have a high school diploma and ability to operate large equipment.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of the scientific method as it applies to plant research.
• Familiarity with row-crop agriculture in the southeastern United States (corn, soybeans, cotton).
• Ability to operate large farm equipment within confined spaces.
• Willingness to work as part of an effective team and grow professionally; team player; effective listener and communicator.
• Basic understanding of precision agriculture equipment (guidance, rate control, mapping, etc.).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

Responsibilities

• Assists Farm Manager in all aspects of research project support to include crop and cash crop management/production– field prep, planting, pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, cultivation, harvest, etc.
• In addition, communicates with research faculty, staff and students to ensure research protocols are met on a regular basis.
• Assists Farm Manager in general upkeep and maintenance of research farm facilities– general maintenance in and around multiple research farm buildings, maintaining wildlife fence, mowing grass, maintaining landscaped areas around buildings, etc.
• Assists Farm Manager with upkeep and maintenance of research farm agricultural equipment– tractors, implements, harvesters, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Scientific method

Row-crop agriculture

Operate large farm equipment

Team player

Precision agriculture

MS Office

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Posting Number:

S15472P

Working Title:

Research Technician I - Iron Horse

Department:

CAES-Campbell Rsch & Ed Ctr

About the University of Georgia:

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 established School of Medicine.

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

Some longer days during certain times of year.

Advertised Salary:

$45,531, Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date:

07/21/2026

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

08/16/2026

Location of Vacancy:

Athens 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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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.

Classification Title:

Research Tech-Life Science I

FLSA:

Non-Exempt

FTE:

1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

Position Summary:

Assists farm manager with day to day operation of a 600 acre plant sciences research farm. Tasks include but are not limited to interacting with CAES Research Faculty, Staff and students on a regular basis, operating agricultural equipment, guidance systems, variable rate controllers, applying fertilizers, applying pesticides, land prep., soil sampling, general farm maintenance and repair, etc.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Basic understanding of the scientific method as it applies to plant research.
• Familiarity with row-crop agriculture in the southeastern United States (corn, soybeans, cotton)
• Ability to operate large farm equipment within confined spaces.
• Willingness to work as part of an effective team and grow professionally; team player; effective listener and communicator.
• Basic understanding of precision agriculture equipment (guidance, rate control, mapping, etc.) and its operation.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

Physical Demands:

• Work in adverse weather conditions.
• Lift 75 lbs.
• Driving as needed to perform job tasks.

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:

Assists Farm Manager in all aspects of research project support to include crop and cash crop management/production– field prep, planting, pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, cultivation, harvest, etc. In addition, communicates with research faculty, staff and students to ensure research protocols are met on a regular basis.

Assists Farm Manager in general upkeep and maintenance of research farm facilities– general maintenance in and around multiple research farm buildings, maintaining wildlife fence, mowing grass, maintaining landscaped areas around buildings, etc.

Assists Farm Manager with upkeep and maintenance of research farm agricultural equipment– tractors, implements, harvesters, etc.

Other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time:

60

20

15

5

Contact Details:

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

Recruitment Contact Name:

Gabriel Barnhart

Recruitment Contact Email:

[e-mail]