"NWREC Agricultural Specialist"

Job Details

Posting Number: S13518P

Working Title: NWREC Agricultural Specialist

Department: CAES-Northwest GA Rsch & Ed Ct

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: The Northwest Georgia Research and Education Center’s 905 acres of land provides the opportunity to perform valuable beef cattle, forage, and row crop research. It is also home to the Calhoun Bull Evaluation and the Calhoun Heifer Evaluation and Reproductive Development (HERD) Programs. The main center is located in Rome, Georgia, but the office and Northwest Georgia Livestock Pavilion are located in Calhoun. Six full-time employees ensure that the Northwest Georgia Research and Education Center remains a facility that provides quality research opportunities. The Calhoun center also houses the Gordon County Extension Office and other college personnel.

College/Unit/Department website: https://nwgeorgia.caes.uga.edu/

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: To be determined by Superintendent.

Advertised Salary: $42,500

Posting Date: 04/28/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 06/01/2025

Location of Vacancy: NW District

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: Agriculture/Forestry Technical/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.

Position Summary: In this role, the NWREC Agricultural Specialist manages and coordinates the Bull & Heifer Testing programs at the Northwest Research & Education Center (the two largest programs at the center) and manages the 225-head cattle operation in conjunction with the Sr. Agricultural Specialist, which includes feeding, breeding, calving, and herd health. This also includes assisting with maintenance of all facilities and equipment, assisting with all aspects of hay and pasture production, and row crop research, which includes maintaining and analyzing research records, and participating in various functions to promote public relations for the Center and College. This position is 50/50 grant-funded with the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, with continued employment contingent on project needs and available funding.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Extensive experience in working with cattle and farm equipment
• Georgia’s Pesticide Applicator’s License and Certified Artificial Insemination Certification or the understanding it will be obtained within the first year of hire.

Physical Demands:

• Physically demanding, with some heavy lifting along with other strenuous activities in varying weather conditions.
• Driving as needed to perform job related duties.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?: Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?: No

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): No

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:

• Manages both the GCA Bull and Heifer Tests programs at NW Research & Education Center.
• Educates cattle producers concerning performance of the cattle in the center’s research projects.
• Assists with all forage and row crop research activities.

Percentage of time: 40

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manages the 225 – 300 head research cattle operation in cooperation with Sr. Agricultural Specialist including feeding, breeding, calving, and herd health.
• Draws blood samples, artificial insemination, fecal samples for worm loads, mucous samples, eye samples, ear notch samples, and urine samples for testing purposes.
• Operates ultrasound equipment used for pregnancy tests and to collect carcass data on live animals, such as rib eye area, back fat thickness, and marbling.

Percentage of time: 25

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assists with management of all facilities and equipment.
• Routinely utilizes computerized components of several pieces of equipment used in a large farm setting.
• Operates hay balers and other mechanical equipment.

Percentage of time: 25

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assists with management of pastures and hay production on the 905 acre farm.
• Maintains and analyzes research records at a complex level with highly sophisticated and technical procedures and equipment.
• Participates in various functions to promote public relations for the Center and College.

Percentage of time: 10

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

Recruitment Contact Name: Katie Hammond

Recruitment Contact Email: khammond@uga.edu