Assistant Breeder

Overview

Assistant Breeder. This position supports the Turfgrass Breeding Program on the Griffin Campus and contributes to the development of improved seed-propagated turfgrass cultivars for lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and recreational areas. The Assistant Breeder leads daily operations across field, greenhouse, and laboratory, supervises staff and student workers, and helps advance breeding lines toward release.

Posting Number S14658P

Working Title:

Assistant Breeder
Department: CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences

Location:

Griffin Area
Posting Type:
External

Employment Type:

Employee Benefits Eligible;
Full Time

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm with occasional nights and weekends to meet project demands
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with Experience
Open until filled:
Yes

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications
Experience in turfgrass science, turf management, plant breeding, or applied agricultural research; familiarity with stakeholder engagement and professional communication; ability to operate and maintain research equipment (turfgrass machinery and seed-processing tools); experience supervising student workers or field crews; strong knowledge of turfgrass agronomy and research field management; possession of a Category 24 Georgia Pesticide Applicator License (Ornamental and Turf) or willingness to obtain one;

interest in pursuing a master’s degree under the faculty breeder.

Interest in pursuing a master’s degree under the faculty breeder is also encouraged.

The Assistant Breeder will:

• Lead day-to-day operations of the turfgrass breeding program across greenhouse, field, and laboratory workflows; supervise seasonal and student workers; ensure planting, plot maintenance, sample collection, and greenhouse tasks are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Plan and organize breeding nurseries, progeny tests, and advanced line trials; maintain clear communication among personnel; align activities with breeding timelines and research priorities.
• Coordinate, implement, and execute breeding and applied research protocols across multiple turfgrass species; collect, organize, analyze data; maintain germplasm inventories and seed storage; manage detailed breeding records; assist in data interpretation, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Collaborate with the faculty breeder to implement breeding and selection decisions that advance superior lines through the pipeline.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain research equipment used in greenhouse, field, and seed-processing workflows (tractors, mowers, sprayers, harvesters, seed-cleaning equipment); oversee maintenance, repair, or modification of tools and infrastructure; ensure safe, functional research environments.
• Collaborate with graduate students, faculty, and collaborators on ongoing research projects; mentor student workers and interns; participate in extension and outreach events (field days, conferences, demonstrations); contribute to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and grant-related activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the turfgrass breeding program’s mission.

• Working outdoors in field conditions and in greenhouse environments with heat and humidity
• Standing for extended periods
• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Lifting up to 50 pounds

Recruitment Contact:
Phillip Vines
Email: phillip.vines

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents
Resume/CV;
Cover Letter;
List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents

Persons needing accommodations or assistance with accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact University HR (hrweb). 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.