Research Technician

Position Summary

This Research Technician supports operations at the National Proving Grounds at UGA Grand Farm, assisting with precision agriculture and smart weed control research and demonstration initiatives. The appointment is grant‑funded, expected to last five years after start, and may be extended with continued funding.

• Assist the team in crop management/production activities: field preparation, planting, pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, cultivation, harvest.
• Maintain and manage precision and robotic technology tools, including routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and ensuring field readiness.
• Assist in critical agronomic measurements such as soil sampling, plant stand counts, phenotyping; conduct data entry, plot setup, equipment maintenance, post‑harvest sample processing.
• Manage data workflows from collection to storage and potential preliminary analysis, including operation of precision technologies such as yield monitors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience.

• Basic understanding of the scientific method in plant research.
• Familiarity with row‑crop and vegetable agriculture in the southeastern United States.
• Ability to operate large farm equipment in confined spaces.
• Willingness to work as part of an effective team, being a team player, effective listener, and communicator.
• Knowledge of precision agriculture equipment and its operation.
• Hands‑on, problem‑solving mindset and ability to rapidly learn new concepts.
• Working knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite.

• Operate large farm equipment within confined spaces.
• Work outside in all weather conditions, including weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Lift at least 75 pounds.
• Driving and hauling agricultural equipment as needed.

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.