Farm Operations Professional - Chavez

Position Summary

This position directs the day‑to‑day management of farm operations, encompassing planting, irrigation, and harvesting to provide essential research support for the stone fruit and pecan research projects at the USDA‑ARS Fruit and Tree Nut research Lab located at Byron, GA. The incumbent will manage the various phases of the research projects by performing largely independent farming duties within pecan and peach orchard settings.

Key technical duties include the operation of farm tractors (≥ 50 hp) with associated implements/attachments and other heavy equipment, pesticide sprayer calibration and application, mowing, planting, harvesting, and equipment repair. The role involves coordination and collaboration with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments. This position will modify and execute field experiments to maintain the uniform conditions of the research study.

Specific technical management tasks involve scouting orchards for disease and pest issues, monitoring plant and soil nutrient levels, managing applications and pesticide planning, and maintaining and monitoring irrigation systems. The incumbent will be responsible for creating detailed schedules for planting, irrigation, spraying, fertilizing, pruning, training, and orchard planting. This position will assist in the hiring, training, and direct supervision of seasonal workers and staff, ensuring efficient execution of all farm and research‑related tasks.

This is a grant‑funded position with continued employment beyond 08/31/2026 based on the needs of the project, available funding, and satisfactory job performance and progress.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.

• Technical knowledge in the field acquired through an apprenticeship, a 2‑year degree, professional certificate, or extensive farming experience.
• Documented and verifiable agricultural experience, preferably related to horticulture.

• Basic understanding of biological science, preferably in Agriculture, Agronomy, Horticulture, or Plant Pathology, and/or experience in farm management or maintenance.
• Experience scouting pests and diseases in the field.
• Understanding of horticultural production.
• Documented and verifiable agricultural experiences, preferably related to fruit and nut production.
• Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s license (or ability to obtain within 90 days).
• Significant experience operating tractors (≥ 50 hp) and implementing farm management procedures such as pesticide sprays, mowing, planting, harvesting, and heavy equipment repair.

Core Farm Operations (50%) – Planting, irrigation, and harvesting with a focus on fruit crops; manage soil preparation and nutrient management; monitor for diseases and plan applications; ensure the quality of harvested produce meets research standards; mow, weed–eat, herbicide applications, fence repair and installation; maintain equipment (tractors, mowers, string trimmers, sprayers, tillers, hand tools); inspect equipment and coordinate maintenance or repairs.

Experimental Design & Implementation (25%) – Collaborate with faculty and project leaders on the design and implementation of field experiments; modify and execute field experiments to maintain uniform conditions; collect soil samples; apply fertilizers; prepare fields, plant, and clean up field experiments; execute seeding plans; monitor weather conditions, record data, and manage the irrigation system; maintain records of trees and planting blocks.

Equipment & Facility Management (15%) – Develop and coordinate maintenance schedules for equipment and facilities; manage property maintenance tasks, including fences and structures; operate heavy machinery and specialized equipment (tractors, trucks, motorized sprayers); perform operational planning related to field supplies and pruning; create schedules to operate equipment for plot turnover, irrigation, spraying, and pruning.

Staff Management & Compliance (10%) – Assist in hiring staff and supervise seasonal workers and interns; ensure safety protocols are strictly…