The University of Georgia Hiring for Research Technician-Vidalia Onion Rsch Ctr (Tyson, Dutta) at Other South Georgia Area Full Time

Posting Number:

S11671P

Working Title:

Research Technician-Vidalia Onion Rsch Ctr (Tyson, Dutta)

Department:

CAES-Plant Pathology

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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

College/Unit/Department website:

https://www.caes.uga.edu/research/places/research-and-education-centers/vidalia-onion.html

Posting Type:

External

Retirement Plan:

TRS

Employment Type:

Employee

Benefits Eligibility:

Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:

Full Time

Additional Schedule Information:

Schedule will be determined by supervisor

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with education, experience and training

Posting Date:

02/15/2024

Open until filled:

Yes

Proposed Starting Date:

03/17/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This position is grant funded for two years. Employment beyond two years will be based upon renewal of grant funds.

The position is located at the Vidalia Onion & Vegetable Research Center in Lyons, GA.

Location of Vacancy:

Other South Georgia Area

EEO Policy Statement:

The 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 ([email protected]).

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:

• Experience with farm equipment is preferred, but not required
• Research experience is preferred, but not required

Position Summary:

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting the Farm Manager and Superintendent with research farm operations based out of the Vidalia Onion and Vegetable Research Center (VOVRC) in Lyons, Georgia. This includes research trials, farm and facility maintenance, and other meetings held at the farm.

Tasks include tractor operation, land preparation, planting, harvesting, tillage operations, mowing, pesticide application, crop maintenance, research plot maintenance, visits to offsite research plots, data collection, data entry, and inventory management. The VOVRC hosts an inmate education program to teach offenders agricultural skills and carry out farm tasks, so the applicant may at times work around or in the vicinity of supervised inmates.

This is a temporary position with a 2-year appointment. Continuation beyond 2 years will be based upon receiving additional grant funds.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Familiar with MS Office programs.
• Ability to learn to operate tractors and other farm equipment.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and accomplish tasks without direct supervision.
• Good communication skills and ability to work well with others.
• Applicant will obtain a Georgia Private Applicator Pesticide License and other trainings as needed.

Physical Demands:

• Work outdoors in harsh environments, including heat, humidity, and cold.
• Lift 40 lbs.
• Bend, stoop, and climb.
• Driving to perform job related 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.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Field Tasks
Under the direction of the superintendent/farm manager, work alone or with others to perform outdoor field tasks such as:

• Planting research plots with experimental crops.
• Harvesting research plots once they reach the stage that the researcher needs it to be.
• Pesticide application to crops.
• Fertilizer application to crops.
• Equipment maintenance on farm equipment and vehicles, so that they stay in good working order. This includes changing oil, filters and parts.
• Tractor operation to prepare soil for planting and harvesting.
• Tillage operations to prepare the land for planting.
• Mowing grass around the buildings located on the research station.
• Weeding the research plots, so that the weeds do not overtake the research plants.
• Irrigating the research plots during periods of drought.

Field Days and Industry Meetings

• Assist with field days by dividing up the research station into sections where presenters will explain and answer questions about their research.
• Present and answer questions about the research conducted on the farm.
• Prepare for industry meetings by setting up the conference room for guests. Involves setting up tables and chairs, having literature ready to hand out, etc.
• Clean up after industry meetings. Move tables and chairs, clean up trash and food containers, wipe tables down and take trash out.

Percentage of time:

65

Duties/Responsibilities:

Data Collection and Data Entry
Under the direction of the superintendent/farm manager, complete tasks as assigned for research plot data.

• Collect data periodically on the research plots. Instruction will be given as to how often by the researcher.
• Sort the data by guidelines given by the researcher.
• Grade the plants by a specific set of standards.
• Prepare samples for extracting data from the product.
• Weigh the specific sample as part of the data collection.
• Bag the product according to specifications given by the researcher.
• Enter data into computer programs in order to produce needed reports.

Office Duties

• Inventory management. Maintain an inventory list of all inventoried equipment and vehicles and update in the Asset Management system if something is surplused or purchased.
• Assist with purchases for the research station by notifying the superintendent/farm manager when supplies need to be purchased. Includes supplies for the farm, parts for farm equipment and office supplies.

Percentage of time:

30

Duties/Responsibilities:

Miscellaneous

• Keep up to date with pesticide trainings in order to stay in compliance, so as to keep pesticide license.
• 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:

Chris Tyson

Recruitment Contact Email:

[email protected]