Farm Operations Professional - Chavez

Posting Number: S14554P

Working Title: Farm Operations Professional I - Chavez (3)

Department: CAES-Horticulture

Location: Other Middle Georgia Area;
Other Middle Georgia Area

Employment Type: Employee;
Full Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8am – 5pm

Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Preferred Starting Date: 02/01/2026

This grant‑funded 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 (≥ 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. The 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.

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.

• Technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2‑year degree, professional certificate, or extensive farming experience.
• Documented and verifiable agricultural experience, preferably related to horticulture.

• Basic understanding of biological science preferably in the field of Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Pathology, and or experience in farm management or maintenance.
• Experienced in scouting pests and diseases in field.
• Understanding of horticultural production.
• Documented and verifiable agricultural experiences, preferably related to fruit and nut production.
• Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s license (or able to obtain within 90 days).
• Significant experience in operating tractors (≥ 50 horsepower), and implementing farm management procedures such as pesticide sprays, mowing, planting, harvesting and heavy equipment repair.

• Lift 40 pounds, work outside under high heat and humidity.
• Some physical exertion, such as regular and recurring walking or bending.
• In many situations the duration of the activity contributes to the arduous nature of the job.
• In other situations, there may be special requirements for agility or dexterity such as exceptional hand/eye coordination.
• Driving to perform job related tasks.

• 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.
• Collaborate with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments.
• Modify and execute field experiments to maintain the uniform…