Agriculture Technician-Hort, Tifton (Chu)

Posting Number : S14110P

Working Title :

Agriculture Technician-Hort, Tifton (Chu)

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 :

Work schedule to be determined by supervisor

Advertised Salary :

Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date : 09 / 10 / 2025

Open until filled : Yes

Proposed Starting Date :

10 / 13 / 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 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 ( hrweb@uga.edu ).

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 :

Research Tech-Life Science I

FLSA : Non-Exempt

FTE : 1.00

Minimum Qualifications :

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Crop and Soil Sciences, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training
• Experience in working with greenhouse and field cultivation
• Basic understanding of plant genetics and molecular biology
• Technical or Scientific writing experience
• Commercial Driver’s License (or ability to get one)
• Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain one within three months of employment

Position Summary :

The UGA blueberry breeding program focuses on developing blueberry cultivars adapted to the South Georgia growing environment and ornamental varieties for home gardening. The agriculture technician will support both field and lab activities and will be responsible for the training and supervision of undergraduate workers. Most of the effort will focus on managing the blueberry research farm located at Alapaha, Georgia including fungicide and herbicide applications, maintaining irrigation system, fertilization, weed control, bed preparation, and seedling transplanting. The incumbent will also assist in managing blueberry facilities on the Tifton campus including greenhouse, nursery pads, and the misty house. The management includes irrigation, weed control, planting seedlings and establishing root cuttings. The incumbent will facilitate field sample and data collection during flowering and harvesting season and assist on-going research projects. The incumbent will be involved in lab work for sample measurements such as fruit weight, fruit firmness and acidity measurements.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and / or Competencies :

Physical Demands :

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 & Farm Management

Percentage of time : 50

Duties / Responsibilities :

Greenhouse, Nursery & Misty House Management

Lab Duties

Percentage of time : 50

Duties / Responsibilities :

Supervising Duties

Percentage of time : 50

Duties / Responsibilities :

Miscellaneous

Percentage of time : 50

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

Recruitment Contact Name :

Dr. Juliette Chu

Recruitment Contact Email :

ychu@uga.edu