"Research Professional - Small Grains Team"

Job Details

Posting Number: S14062P

Working Title: Research Professional - Small Grains Team

Department: CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences

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 Department of Crop and Soil Sciences resides in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, which has teaching, research, and outreach programs at three campuses across the state: Athens, Griffin and Tifton. The department has teaching, research, and extension faculty at all three locations which conduct basic and applied research that is important to clientele in the state of Georgia and that adds to the body of knowledge basic to agricultural production and environmental management. The Department has faculty with expertise that can be grouped into three general areas: Cultivar Development, Genetics, and Biotechnology; Crop Management, Physiology, and Weed Management; and Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management.

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time: Full Time

Additional Schedule Information: M-F, 8-5 with some nights and weekends to meet project and stakeholder deliverables.

Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posting Date: 08/27/2025

Open until filled: Yes

Proposed Starting Date: 10/01/2025

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 Professional AD

FLSA: Exempt

FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications: Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications: Familiarity with stakeholder engagement. Familiarity with public speaking and professional writing. Strong knowledge of farm equipment. Strong knowledge of agronomic management.

Position Summary: This position includes both research and operational on-farm responsibilities in support of the University of Georgia’s Extension Grains program for field corn, soybean, small grains, cover crops, and soil fertility. The Department of Crop & Soil Sciences at UGA offers a stimulating, multi-campus intellectual environment and has an excellent reputation in teaching, research and extension. The three campuses of the University of Georgia (Athens, Tifton and Griffin) are large and dynamic multidisciplinary, multi-agency facilities with strong research, extension, and teaching activities, and access to multiple well-equipped research farms throughout the state. Opportunities for interdisciplinary and interagency interactions are outstanding, and collaborative activities with colleagues in other departments, institutions and agencies are encouraged.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies: Strong management and organizational skills. Knowledge of data collection, statistical analysis, and reporting. Effective communication skills across diverse audiences. Competence in supervising students. Ability in equipment calibration, modifications, and maintenance. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of Microsoft Office and general computer applications. Strong work ethic and attention to detail. Willingness to travel as needed throughout the state.

Physical Demands: Driving as needed to perform job duties. Work outdoors in a farm/field setting. Lift up to 25lbs.

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?: Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?: Yes

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:

• Project management: Lead administrative and day-to-day research operations for the Extension Grains Program. Manage agronomic production of row crops and cover crops. (40%)
• Coordinate, implement, and execute statewide applied research protocols supporting grain crop producers in Georgia including small-plot and on-farm field trials. Collaborate with the program leader to shape and refine research priorities based on stakeholder input and emerging issues. Participate actively in planning, execution, and evaluation of research and extension programs. (30%)
• Provide mechanical and technical expertise that will aid in implementing novel research experiments. Maintain equipment including repairs, modifications, and precise calibration. (15%)
• Analytics and Reporting: Track and analyze research data in coordination with program leader. (5%)
• Collaboration: Assist in mentoring and supervising student workers and graduate students. Represent the Extension Grains Program at academic, professional, and stakeholder-focused events including field days, conferences, and extension meetings. (5%)
• Other duties as assigned and in keeping with the role of a Research Professional. (5%)