Agriculture Technician-Hort, Tifton; Chu

Overview

Agriculture Technician-Hort, Tifton (Chu)

This position is located in Tifton, GA. To apply, use the Apply for this Job link/button. See Special Instructions for additional details. The posting includes information about the university, department, and program, and notes that the position is in the CAES-Horticulture department at the University of Georgia (UGA).

Posting Number S14110P
Working Title Agriculture Technician-Hort, Tifton (Chu)
Department CAES-Horticulture
Posting Type External
Retirement Plan TRS

Employment Type

Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time Full Time
Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information Work schedule to be determined by supervisor
Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date 09/10/2025
Open until filled Yes
Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 10/13/2025

The University of Georgia (UGA) is Georgia’s oldest and most comprehensive institution of higher education. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The main campus is in Athens, GA, with extended campuses in multiple locations. UGA employs thousands of faculty and staff and serves tens of thousands of students.

UGA Tifton Campus began a centennial celebration in 2018. Research covers a wide range of commodities, including cotton, peanuts, vegetables and turf grass. The college-level instruction supports undergraduate and graduate-degree programs. Department website: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html

Classification

Title:

Research Tech-Life Science I
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
FTE: 1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

• Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Crop and Soil Sciences, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training
• Experience in working with greenhouse and field cultivation
• Basic understanding of plant genetics and molecular biology
• Technical or scientific writing experience
• Commercial Driver’s License (or ability to get one)
• Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain one within three months of employment

The UGA blueberry breeding program focuses on developing blueberry cultivars adapted to the South Georgia growing environment and ornamental varieties for home gardening. The agriculture technician will support both field and lab activities and supervise undergraduate workers. Responsibilities include managing the blueberry research farm at Alapaha, GA (fungicide/herbicide applications, irrigation, fertilization, weed control, bed prep, seedling transplanting), and assisting in managing blueberry facilities on the Tifton campus (greenhouse, nursery pads, mist house).

The incumbent will assist with field sample collection, data collection during flowering/harvest, and lab work for measurements such as fruit weight, firmness, and acidity. The role includes supervising student workers and coordinating data collection for research projects.

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point
• Positive attitude
• Excellent work ethic
• Willingness to learn

• Lift 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally
• Vision and steadiness of hands needed for cross pollination
• Work outside under high heat and humidity
• Bend, squat, stand for extended period of times
• Driving as needed to perform job duties

Research & Farm Management

• Collect phenology data of plant growth using the fieldbook app during flowering and fruiting season
• Collect fruit weight, firmness and sugar acid content data in the lab
• Transfer and organize data using Excel
• Perform sample tissue storage and DNA extraction, quantification, dilution and organize sample shipment
• Set up PCR reactions and run gel electrophoresis for product detection
• Set up seed germination in growth chamber and transfer seedlings to growth mediums for greenhouse advancement
• Perform field transplanting of young bushes
• Ensure soil preparation, irrigation, and transplanting are done…