Crop and Environmental Quality Lab Manager

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 or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 07/02/2026

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 08/17/2026

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 (hrweb@uga.edu).

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: Lab Coord-Life Science II

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience

Position Summary: This is an advanced laboratory technician position that will serve as the primary analyst for the Crop Quality section of the UGA Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratory (AESL). Responsibilities consist of sample preparation (e.g. fruits, vegetables, edible oils, plant tissues, drinking water, etc.) and analysis using various analytical methods, including high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), UV spectrophotometers, and inductively coupled plasma Spectrophotometer (ICP) while ensuring all quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) criteria are met. Position will work with senior laboratory personnel to develop new analysis procedures and provide support for ongoing and future research projects, along with serving as a point of contact, communicating with clients regarding services offered and the sample submission process. General laboratory duties include the inventory of supplies, maintaining and troubleshooting laboratory equipment, and performing other related tasks. Additionally, this position will provide occasional support for field sampling and outreach activities.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and willing to work as part of a team, as this position will need to keep track of multiple samples, projects, and people.
• Strong laboratory background with experience developing and following detailed SOPs. Significant practice operating analytical laboratory instruments, and a detailed understanding of laboratory QA/QC practices.
• Willingness and ability to maintain analytical equipment and troubleshoot issues as they arise during analysis.
• Basic software knowledge (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with a willingness to learn new computer software.
• Ability to plan/prioritize tasks and operate independently.

Physical Demands:

• Periodically working in adverse weather conditions during field sampling
• Driving as needed to perform job tasks
• Lift up to 50lbs

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

Serve as the primary analyst conducting chemical analysis of agricultural and environmental samples for the Crop Quality section following established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and QA/QC protocols. Logging-in samples, making solutions, chemical and mechanical extractions, sample preparation, analyzing samples using analytical equipment (HPLC, GC, spectrophotometer, and ICP), data entry, report generation, and troubleshooting equipment.

Percentage of time: 40

Duties/Responsibilities

Preparation of manuscripts, proposals, research reports, lab promotional materials, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), Implementation of established quality assurance program.

Percentage of time: 20

Duties/Responsibilities

Partner with senior laboratory personnel to provide logistical and technical support for ongoing and future research projects administered by AESL, including occasional field sample collection. Fruit and vegetable harvest, collecting soil plant tissue samples, and establishing and maintaining field plots.

Percentage of time: 15

Duties/Responsibilities

Support the daily operation of the laboratory including purchasing supplies, maintaining equipment Managing chemical inventories.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities

Communicate with existing and potential clients about the services offered by the Crop Quality Laboratory and how to properly submit samples for analysis. Provide training and supervision to graduate students, temporary employees, and student workers on sample preparation and analysis procedures.

Percentage of time: 10

Duties/Responsibilities

Provide backup support for analysts in other areas of the laboratory in their absence. 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: Daniel Jackson

Recruitment Contact Email: soiltest@uga.edu