New

Horticulture Technician

University of Georgia

retirement plan

United States, Georgia, Athens

Mar 17, 2026

Posting Details

Posting Number	S14860P
Working Title	Horticulture Technician
Department	CAES-Horticulture
About the University of Georgia	Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 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 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
About the College/Unit/Department
College/Unit/Department website
Posting Type	External
Retirement Plan	TRS
Employment Type	Employee
Benefits Eligibility	Benefits Eligible
Full/Part time	Full Time
Work Schedule
Additional Schedule Information	Schedule is to be determined by the supervisor.
Advertised Salary	Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date	03/16/2026
Open until filled	Yes
Closing Date
Proposed Starting Date	05/10/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants	Please include Resume, Cover letter and a List of References.
Location of Vacancy	Tifton Area
EEO Policy Statement	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. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement	The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Position Information

Classification Title	Horticulture Technician I
FLSA	Non-Exempt
FTE	1.00
Minimum Qualifications	High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications	M.S. Degree in Agriculture and experience in related field preferred.
Position Summary	A full-time technician will execute the research related to ongoing projects for the sustainability of blueberry production. The technician will be in charge of planting cover crops, visiting the fields, collecting data on cover crops germination, measuring weed pressure, collecting soil samples, collecting samples for mycorrhiza assessment, executing cover crop termination, communicating with growers and project collaborators, entering data, analyzing data, preparing reports, peer-review manuscripts, and extension publications. The technician will also be responsible for laboratory and field tasks, as well as harvesting berries during the harvest season.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies	Farming Experience Research Experience Extension Experience Greenhouse Experience MS Office Statistical Software
Physical Demands	Work in harsh environments such as hot, humid, wet, and cold conditions Lifting 50 pounds Driving
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.
Background Investigation Policy	Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Field & Greenhouse Research Operations

Plan, establish, and maintain small research trials, including planting cover crops, monitoring germination, managing crop health, and assisting with crop termination procedures.
Conduct routine field visits to collect data on agronomic indicators; assist students with data collection as needed.
Perform greenhouse support tasks, including irrigation checks and repairs, plant measurements, and general upkeep to ensure healthy crop development.
Collect biological and environmental samples for laboratory analysis.
Participate in seasonal harvesting activities, including berry collection and postharvest handling, to support research trial outcomes.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Laboratory Responsibilities & Equipment Management

Conduct postharvest evaluations such as measuring titratable acidity, pH, and other fruitquality parameters using calibrated laboratory instruments.
Enter, organize, and maintain research data in Excel spreadsheets, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation for reporting.
Maintain laboratory equipment by performing regular cleaning, calibration, safety checks, and preventive upkeep to support reliable research workflows.
Prepare samples and perform laboratory assays related to soil microbiology, nutrient analysis, or other projectspecific procedures.
Follow all safety protocols, maintaining PPE, safety training records, chemical inventory, and compliance with UGA/USG laboratory standards.

Percentage of time

Duties/Responsibilities

Data Analysis, Reporting & Professional Communication

Analyze research data using statistical software to identify trends, summarize results, and prepare datasets for reporting.
Draft research outputs, including internal reports, peerreviewed manuscripts, and extension publications to share findings with growers and collaborators.
Communicate regularly with growers, graduate students, and project partners, providing updates, coordinating field access, and addressing research needs.
Assist with student and collaborator projects, providing support on data collection, experimental setup, and troubleshooting field or lab challenges.

Percentage of time