Assistant to Research Station Superintendent, FRS-Tifton

Assistant to Research Station Superintendent, FRS-Tifton

Posting Number: S14531P

Working Title:

Assistant to Research Station Superintendent, FRS-Tifton
Department: CAES-Tifton Campus
Posting Type:
External Retirement Plan TRS or ORP

Employment Type:

Employee
Full/Part Time:
Full Time
Salary:
Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date: 12/19/2025
Closing Date: 02/01/2026

Location:

Tifton Area

This position is responsible for collaborating with the superintendent to manage farm maintenance of research fields, timber management, farm/heavy equipment operations, roads, buildings and other facilities. The applicant will provide research/Extension support in a variety of crops and disciplines as needed with all aspects of the research farms and associated specialized equipment; supervise student workers; oversee harvesting and transporting field crops;

perform repairs and maintenance of farm buildings and equipment; facilitate installation and operation of irrigation systems such as laterals, pivots, solid sets and hard hoses; manage fire breaks in standing timber; manage farm roads. The role involves prioritizing work, troubleshooting issues, and making operational decisions to ensure efficiency and safety; taking initiative in problem solving and resource management at a high level of independence.

Direction is received from the FRS superintendent.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.

None specified.

• Extensive knowledge of the standard practices, materials, tools and equipment used for row crops and vegetable crops
• Knowledge of Guidance Systems
• Skill and operation in operating heavy machinery, including a bulldozer, excavator, forklift and backhoe
• Knowledge and skill in the maintenance of heavy machinery
• Proficiency in computer programs such as Word and Excel, along with the ability to maintain records and prepare reports

• Heavy lifting
• Climbing
• Bending
• Squatting
• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Driving and pulling trailers on public roads to perform job related duties

Develop and Plan for Farm Improvement & Farm Resource Use

• Work in conjunction with the superintendent in developing and implementing an overall plan of operations for the eight outlying farms located around the Tifton Campus, including long range plans for farm improvement and farm resource use.
• Collaborate with superintendent to manage both fiscal budgets and physical resources for each farm, including developing annual spending plans, forecasting needs, and strategically allocating funds to ensure high-priority projects are addressed efficiently and within budget.
• Make recommendations to farm managers in managing soil samples, fertilizers, lime use, crops, cultural practices and machinery maintenance databases.
• Manage inventory and keep an inventory record of tools, shop equipment and commonly used parts for each farm.
• Make recommendations on equipment purchases and repairs and participate in making the purchase requests and directing equipment repairs to meet specific research needs.
• Supervise the installation and operation of irrigation systems, such as laterals, pivots, solid sets and hard hoses for each farm.
• Attend to mowing and harvesting and the storing and transporting of crops, as needed.
• Direct the repairs and maintenance of farm buildings, equipment storage barns and grain bins.
• Using and enforcing proper safety protocols, transport state property, such as trucks, bulldozers, excavators, motor graders, combines, large tractors, bucket trucks, forklifts, skid-steers and backhoes from one farm to another.
• Develop and implement a training program for existing employees and new hires.

Timber Management

• Collaboration with the Georgia Forestry Commission and the superintendent to develop and implement long-term management plans for all timber located on the outlying farms around Tifton.
• Manage fire breaks, schedule prescribed burns, coordinate timber sales and harvesting and maintain access roads in timber stands on the Tifton outlying farms.

Pest…