Posting Number S13183P

Working Title Research Professional-CSS (Brown), Tifton

Department CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences

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/crop-soil.html

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule 

Additional Schedule Information 

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

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date 02/03/2025

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date 

Proposed Starting Date 03/03/2025

Special Instructions to Applicants 

This position is located in Tifton, GA, which is approximately 200 miles southwest of Athens, Georgia, 200 miles south of Atlanta, GA, and approximately 70 miles north of the Florida line. 

Location of Vacancy Tifton Area

EEO Policy StatementThe University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values StatementThe 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 Research 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 

  • Bachelor’s Degree in an agricultural related field
  • Pesticide Applicator’s License
  • Commercial Driver’s License

Position SummaryThis position will support Peanut Breeding researchers within the Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, and will be under the direction of Dr. Nino Brown. The primary focus of current research projects include investigating the genetic control and influence of several agronomic and crop quality traits, development of DNA-markers for use within the breeding program, and incorporation of cutting-edge breeding and phenotyping techniques to accelerate genetic gain. This role will involve interfacing with and assisting researchers, graduate students, technicians, and student workers to accomplish common research goals.

General responsibilities will include routine field maintenance such as cultivation, spraying, fertilization, and irrigation. Tissue sampling, plant and plot harvesting, peanut grading and shelling, data collection in the field and in the lab, seed packaging, and planting will be some of the many tasks to perform and supervise. The employee will be based at the Tifton Campus, however, frequent travel to off-site locations within the peanut production regions of the state is necessary.

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
  • Competency in calibrating sprayers, fertilizer applicators, and related math skills.
  • Competency in crop management.
  • Basic mechanical, welding and carpentry skills.
  • Understanding and appreciation of the precision necessary for agricultural research.
  • Ability to maintain research and farm implements for optimum operation.

Physical Demands 

  • Lift 50 lb items repeatedly in the heat.
  • Operate and haul farm equipment.
  • Bend over, walk, climb, repeatedly for long hours.
  • Work outside in dusty, hot, humid conditions all day.
  • Driving as needed to perform job duties.

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 

Field Research Plot Establishment and Maintenance:

  • Includes careful preparation for and planting of breeding research plots with specialized seed research equipment.
  • Following prescribed cultural practices for specific experiments.
  • Maintaining weed- and pest-free plots.
  • Maintaining optimum and uniform growing conditions throughout growing season.

Percentage of time 35

Duties/Responsibilities 

Yield Trial and Nursery Plot Harvesting, Cleaning, Weighing, Grading, and Shelling:

  • Includes seed increase plots, yield trial plots, and individual plant samples.
  • The majority of trials are local, however, several are conducted at off-site locations around the state.
  • Significant travel during planting (April-May) and harvesting seasons (September-October).

Percentage of time 35

Duties/Responsibilities 

Farm, Research, and Lab Equipment Maintenance and Modification:

  • Includes routine preventative maintenance to ensure all equipment is operating at its best.
  • Identifying issues before they become bigger problems
  • Repairing equipment when breakdowns occur.

Percentage of time 20

Duties/Responsibilities 

Data Collection:

  • Use specialized peanut equipment and general lab equipment including shelling equipment, moisture meters, scales, etc.

Percentage of time 5

Duties/Responsibilities 

Sampling

  • Leaf tissue sampling for the purpose of DNA analysis.

Miscellaneous

  • Other duties as assigned

Percentage of time 5

Contact Details 

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

Recruitment Contact Name Dr. Nino Brown

Recruitment Contact Email inbrown@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone 

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Confirmed 8 hours ago. Posted a day ago.

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