Horticulture Student Assistant-Sugimoto

Horticulture Student Assistant – Sugimoto 2

Position Summary: The successful applicant will assist with fruit and vegetable quality to extend shelf‑life and agricultural product development through field, laboratory, and storage‑based research. The incumbent will assist in sample preparation, data collection for produce quality‑related analyses, maintain laboratory space, and perform data entry under the direction and supervision of the lab manager.

• Conduct field, laboratory, and storage‑based research projects including set‑up, treatment applications, and data collection.
• Collect fruit from the field and analyze fruit quality data (fruit weight, color, sugar, acidity, firmness, ethylene production, respiration, disorders, etc.) in the lab.
• Treat harvested products to extend shelf‑life.
• Monitor and set up storage room conditions (temperature, relative humidity, O2/CO2 levels).
• Support ongoing research and ensure successful project implementation.
• Assist in daily laboratory operations, including cleaning and equipment maintenance.
• Drive as needed.

• High School Diploma with experience working in agriculture/horticulture.
• Prior experience in fieldwork, laboratory procedures, postharvest quality evaluations is a plus.
• Competence in basic MS Office software applications.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn new skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal skills.

• Working in various environmental conditions (cold, hot, humid).
• Driving as required.

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, veteran status, or other protected status.