Agriculture Technician-Hort, Tifton; Chu

Position Information

Classification

Title:

Research Tech-Life Science I FLSA Non-Exempt FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

• Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Crop and Soil Sciences, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training
• Experience in working with greenhouse and field cultivation
• Basic understanding of plant genetics and molecular biology
• Technical or Scientific writing experience
• Commercial Driver's License (or ability to get one)
• Pesticide Applicator's License or ability to obtain one within three months of employment

The UGA blueberry breeding program focuses on developing blueberry cultivars adapted to the South Georgia growing environment and ornamental varieties for home gardening. The agriculture technician will support both field and lab activities and will be responsible for the training and supervision of undergraduate workers. Most of the effort will focus on managing the blueberry research farm located at Alapaha, Georgia including fungicide and herbicide applications, maintaining irrigation system, fertilization, weed control, bed preparation, and seedling transplanting.

The incumbent will also assist in managing blueberry facilities on the Tifton campus including greenhouse, nursery pads, and the misty house. The management includes irrigation, weed control, planting seedlings and establishing root cuttings. The incumbent will facilitate field sample and data collection during flowering and harvesting season and assist on‑going research projects. The incumbent will be involved in lab work for sample measurements such as fruit weight, fruit firmness and acidity measurements.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Positive attitude.
• Excellent work ethic.
• Willingness to learn.

• Lift 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally.
• Vision and steadiness of hands needed for cross pollination.
• Work outside under high heat and humidity.
• Bend, squat, stand for extended period of times.
• 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? 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? Yes

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit UGA Credit Background Check website.

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 UGA Background Check website.

• Collect phenology data of plant growth using the fieldbook app during flowering and fruiting season.
• Collect fruit weight, firmness and sugar acid content data in the lab.
• Transfer and organize data using excel.
• Perform sample tissue storage and DNA extraction, quantification, dilution and organize sample shipment.
• Set up PCR reactions and run gel electrophoresis for product detection.
• Set up seed germination in growth chamber and transfer seedlings to growth mediums for greenhouse advancement.
• Perform field transplanting of young bushes.
• Ensure the soil preparation, irrigation, and transplanting are done…