RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL

Company: University of Georgia
Location: Athens
Posted on: November 18, 2023

Job Description:

Posting Details



Posting Details




Posting Number
S09247P


Working Title
Research Professional-CSS (Tifton) Roth


Department
CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences


About the University of Georgia
Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.


About the College/Unit/Department
In 2018, The UGA Tifton Campus began a yearlong Centennial celebration with various events to commemorate its 100th anniversary of providing updated research to the community.


Research is done on a wide range of commodities, including cotton, peanuts, vegetables and turf grass, all of which make agriculture the No. 1 industry in Georgia.


In 2004, a teaching program was initiated and it has been growing ever since. College-level instruction on campus is aimed at undergraduate and graduate-degree level study.





College/Unit/Department website
http://www.caes.uga.edu/campuses/tifton/departments/crop-soil.html


Posting Type
External


Retirement Plan
TRS or ORP


Employment Type
Employee


Benefits Eligibility
Benefits Eligible


Full/Part time
Full Time


Work Schedule



Additional Schedule Information
Work schedule will be determined by the supervisor


Advertised Salary
Commensurate with education, experience and training


Posting Date
10/04/2022


Open until filled
Yes


Closing Date



Proposed Starting Date
11/01/2022


Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is located in Tifton, GA, which is approximately 200 miles southwest of Athens, Georgia, 200 miles south of Atlanta, GA and approximately 70 miles north of the Florida line.





Location of Vacancy
Tifton Area


EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).





Position Information




Classification Title
Research Professional AD


FLSA
Exempt


FTE
1.00


Minimum Qualifications
Requires at least a baccalaureate degree in the field. Please contact your Human Resources office for an evaluation of education/experience in lieu of the required minimum qualifications.


Preferred Qualifications
* 1 year experience working in a field research setting
* Strong experience with operation of farm equipment
* Strong understanding of basic agronomic principles
* Commercial Driver License (or ability to get one) * Pesticide Applicator's License (or ability to get one)
* Experience in corn, soybean, or small grain production
* Technical or Scientific writing experience





Position Summary
The UGA Grain Crops Agronomy Lab focuses on agricultural projects aimed at optimizing corn, soybean, and small grain production in Georgia. The Research Technician will support researchers in both the field and lab and will be responsible for the training and supervision of undergraduate workers. The majority of effort will focus on conducting field experiments by using farm equipment and machinery to apply pesticides and fertilizers and plant and harvest crops. In addition, the incumbent will collect soil and plant samples and perform simple maintenance and calibration on farm equipment and field instruments.

Examples of lab duties include the processing and analysis of soil and plant samples.

Additional duties will include:
* Help plan details of field experiments
* Manage and maintain field experiments
* Entry, organization, and processing of data in spreadsheets
* Help prepare technical reports and technical/scientific write-ups
* Incorporate appropriate QA/QC for field and lab processes
* Ensure all farm equipment and field instruments are kept in proper working condition
* Identifying areas of concern and recommending solutions to PI


Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies
Experience working in a research setting and experience operating farm machinery. Experience in corn, soybean, and/or small grain production.

This position involves a commercial driver license and a pesticide applicator's license. If the incumbent does not have these licenses at the time of hire, they will be needed to obtain them to maintain employment.

Possess good written and verbal skills, basic computer proficiency (i.e. Microsoft Word and Excel), positive attitude, excellent work ethic, and a willingness to learn.


Physical Demands
Work outside under extreme weather conditions (i.e. high heat and humidity). Lift up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100+ pounds occasionally, and repeatedly bend over for sampling in the field. Driving to perform work-related duties.


Is driving a responsibility of this position?
Yes


Is this a Position of Trust?
Yes


Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?
No


Does this position require a P-Card?
No


Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?
No


Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?
No


Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)
Yes


Credit and P-Card policy
Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.





Duties/Responsibilities




Duties/Responsibilities
Incumbent will direct the daily operations of the Roth Grain Crops Agronomy Lab. This includes research operations, facilities and equipment maintenance and/or personnel activities. It also includes research design, data analysis, project management, and results summarization. Working environments include field and lab settings. Research will be related to corn, soybeans and small grains.

The majority of effort will focus on conducting field experiments by using farm equipment and machinery to apply pesticides and fertilizers and plant and harvest crops.

In addition, the employee will collect soil and plant samples and conduct research on them.

Examples of lab duties include the processing and analysis of soil and plant samples.
Also:

• 
  
• Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas
  
• Monitor lab work to ensure compliance with set standards
  
• Use computers, robotics or high-technology industrial applications to perform work duties
  
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of the findings
  
  
  
  
  Additional duties will include:
  • 
    
  • Help plan details of field experiments
    
  • Manage and maintain field experiments
    
  • Entry, organization, and processing of data in spreadsheets
    
  • Help prepare technical reports and technical/scientific write-ups
    
  • Incorporate appropriate QA/QC for field and lab processes
    
  • Ensure all farm equipment and field instruments are kept in proper working condition
    
  • Identify areas of concern and recommend solutions to PI
    
    
    
    
    Percentage of time
    60
    
    
    
    
    Duties/Responsibilities
    Maintaining all farm machinery and field and lab equipment in proper working conditions. This includes performing maintenance and/or scheduling an appropriate technician to perform maintenance.
    
    
    Percentage of time
    10
    
    
    
    
    Duties/Responsibilities
    Train and guide new graduate students joining the team on basic methodologies and techniques. Collaborate on research projects with the PI, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. Supervise undergraduate researchers and hourly employees.
    
    Maintain research protocols, standard operating procedures and training manuals to support multiple research projects conducted by faculty, staff and students.
    
    
    Percentage of time
    20
    
    
    
    
    Duties/Responsibilities
    Input data into databases and help with writing technical/scientific reports. Assist the PI in outreach and Extension activities by preparing displays, manning booths on field days, giving short talks on methodologies of research, etc.
    
    
    Percentage of time
    5
    
    
    
    
    Duties/Responsibilities
    Other related duties as assigned to facilitate lab function and research progress.
    
    
    Percentage of time
    5

Keywords: University of Georgia, Athens , RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL, Other , Athens, Georgia