Farm Operations Professional I - Chavez (2)
Position Summary
This position directs the day-to-day management of farm operations, encompassing planting, irrigation, and harvesting to provide essential research support for the stone fruit and pecan research projects at the USDA-ARS Fruit and Tree Nut research Lab located at Byron, GA. The incumbent will manage the various phases of the research projects by performing largely independent farming duties within pecan and peach orchard settings. Key technical duties include the operation of farm tractors (greater than or equal to 50 horsepower) with associated implements/attachments and other heavy equipment, pesticide sprayer calibration and application, mowing, planting, and harvesting, and equipment repair. The role involves coordination and collaboration with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments. This position will modify and execute field experiments to maintain the uniform conditions of the research study. Specific technical management tasks involve scouting orchards for disease and pest issues, monitoring plant and soil nutrient levels, managing applications and pesticide planning, and maintaining and monitoring irrigation systems. The incumbent will be responsible for creating detailed schedules for planting, irrigation, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, training, and planting orchards. This position will assist in the hiring, training, and direct supervision of seasonal workers and staff, ensuring efficient execution of all farm and research-related tasks.
This is a grant-funded position with continued employment beyond 08/31/2026 based on the needs of the project as well as available funding and satisfactory job performance and progress.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Planting, irrigation, and harvesting, with a focus on fruit crops.
- Manage soil preparation and nutrient management.
- Monitor for diseases and plan applications.
- Ensure the quality of harvested produce meets research standards.
- Mowing, weed eating, herbicide applications, fence repair and installation.
- Maintain equipment used in the field including tractors, mowers, string trimmers, backpack sprayers, motorized or battery-operated sprayers, tillers and hand tools.
- Inspect equipment to ensure proper functioning and coordinate maintenance or repairs.
Percentage of time: 50
- Collaborate with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments.
- Modify and execute field experiments to maintain the uniform conditions of the research study to control pest and maintain disease management.
- Collection of soil samples, fertilizer applications, field preparation, planting and clean-up of field experiments.
- Execute seeding plans for the upcoming season.
- Monitor weather conditions, record data and manage the irrigation system.
- Maintain records of trees and planting blocks.
Percentage of time: 25
- Develop and coordinate maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities.
- Manage property maintenance tasks, including fences and structures.
- Operate heavy machinery and specialized equipment (tractors, trucks and motorized sprayers).
- Perform operational planning as it relates to field supplies and pruning.
- Create schedules to operate equipment to prepare for plot turnover, irrigation, spraying and pruning.
Percentage of time: 15
- Assist in hiring staff and supervise seasonal workers and interns. This includes ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed in the field and labs.
- Ensuring adherence to all local, state and federal regulations. Maintain adequate records for OSHA and the EPA on materials used.
- Report field evaluations to team in planning irrigation, mowing, pests and equipment care.
Percentage of time: 10
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