Research Professional - Weed Science

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S12653P

Working Title Research Professional - Weed Science

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 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type External

Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type Employee

Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time Full Time

Work Schedule

Additional Schedule Information

M-F, 8-5 with some weekend and evening hours depending on harvest needs or research obligations.

Advertised Salary $50,000-$55,000

Posting Date 09/12/2024

Open until filled Yes

Closing Date

Proposed Starting Date 10/01/2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Location of Vacancy Athens Area

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran 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.



Position Information

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

Master's degree preferred.

Position Summary

Implementing and managing small plot field and greenhouse studies year-round. Data collection, and supervising/training undergraduate and/or graduate students. Routine maintenance of lab and field equipment and interacting with research farm and greenhouse personnel. Lab work will include sample processing and analysis, image acquisition and analysis, use of controlled environment systems (grow/germination chambers). This position will utilize a PCARD.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Knowledge and application of agronomic production practices for field crops (fertilizer, plant protection, water management)
• Ability to work both independently and with a team
• Advanced organizational skills
• Effective written and oral communication and organization skills
• Georgia Pesticide License obtained within 3 months of hire

Physical Demands

• Work in extreme heat.
• Moderate lifting, up to 50 lbs.
• Sit or stand for long periods of time and conduct repetitive tasks.
• Travel to check on remote research plots at other locations outside of the Athens area.
• Driving as needed to perform job duties.

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

Duties/Responsibilities

Fieldwork

• Coordinate with the PI to identify field sites for research, layout plots in the identified sites, and maintain records regarding field operations, crop rotations, and irrigation records (research metadata).
• Utilize software (proprietary and open source) to record and maintain orderly data files while collecting data in the field using cloud applications for real-time data recording.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of agriculture research designs, and identify limitations in equipment and field implementation of a given protocol.
• Prepare land (tillage, fertilizer, lime etc.) for field studies.
• Calibrate planters and operate farm machinery to plant trials using multiple planter types (drill and standard planter).
• Safely load, transport, and unload farm equipment (tractors, planters, spreaders etc.).
• Work independently or with farm and greenhouse personnel to apply crop protection products (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, growth regulators) according to research protocols and UGA crop production guides and GA department of Agriculture regulations.
• Coordination with graduate and undergraduate students to conduct data collection, and plot maintenance.
• Regular and clear communication with farm, greenhouse personnel, and the PI to ensure timely execution of regular field operations and irrigation according to research protocols.
• Maintaining clean and presentable (to industry and academic partners) field plots by maintaining plot alleys and surrounding areas regularly.
• Assist in crop harvest and execute post-harvest field operations necessary based on the crop.

Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities

Supervising and Training

• Supervising/managing/training/coordinating undergraduate students and/or graduate students.
• Written and oral communication including composing reports, posters, PowerPoints for presentation and/or related to grant reporting needs.
• Attend meetings with collaborators as needed to provide protocol updates.
• Supervision of 1 additional staff member in the Weed Science program in Athens.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

Greenhouse management/Lab work

• Implementing and managing greenhouse studies year-round.
• Data collection.
• Routine maintenance of lab equipment and interaction with research farm and greenhouse personnel.
• Lab work will include sample processing and analysis, image acquisition and analysis, use of controlled environment systems (grow/germination chambers).

Percentage of time 10

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

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

Recruitment Contact Name Niki Walden

Recruitment Contact Email nikiwalden@uga.edu

Recruitment Contact Phone



Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Do you have a Georgia Commercial Pesticide Applicator License?
   • Yes
   • No
   • No Response

Applicant Documents Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents