GA Seed Network Field technician, State Botanical Garden Based at Americus, GA - Athens

Posting Details · Posting Details · Posting Number S14749P Working Title GA Seed Network Field technician, State Botanical Garden Based at Americus, GA Department PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA About the University of Georgia · Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the Unive ...

Job description

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S14749P Working Title GA Seed Network Field technician, State Botanical Garden Based at Americus, GA Department PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA 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 ).

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

40 hours a week

8am to 5pm Monday through Friday with some flexibility depending on field work and seed viability.

Advertised Salary $39,000 Posting Date 02/20/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 04/20/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants

Based at USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center (PMC) in Americus, Georgia.

This is a grant funded position with secured funding for two years. While the continuation of funding and employment is anticipated, it is not guaranteed.

Location of Vacancy Outside Athens 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 ).

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 and can be found online at

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at

Position Information

Classification Title Agricultural Technician II FLSA Non-Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Summary

Preferred Qualifications Position Summary

The Georgia Native Seed Network (GNSN), led by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, is seeking a Field & Production Technician to support native seed research and conservation plant production in partnership with the USDA NRCS Plant Materials Center (PMC) in Americus, Georgia.

This position provides hands-on technical support for field trials, seed increase plots, and conservation plant production efforts that serve ecological restoration, wildlife habitat enhancement, and working lands conservation across Georgia.

The technician will assist with planting, maintaining, evaluating, harvesting, cleaning, and documenting native plant materials while working closely with PMC staff to ensure adherence to established protocols and production standards.

This role is ideal for a technician with strong field skills who enjoys applied plant science, equipment operation, and contributing to large-scale conservation outcomes.

This is a grant funded position with secured funding for two years. While the continuation of funding and employment is anticipated, it is not guaranteed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies

Practical knowledge of native plant ecology, crop production, and basic plant science principles
Experience or aptitude in establishing and maintaining research plots and seed production fields
Knowledge of seed collection, cleaning, processing, and storage practices for native plant species
Ability to recognize plant growth stages, seed maturity, and common pest, weed, and disease issues
Skill in operating and maintaining agricultural and seed processing equipment (tractors, harvesters, seed cleaners, irrigation systems)
Knowledge of fertilizer, herbicide, and pesticide application practices, including calibration, label compliance, and safe handling
Ability to collect accurate field and production data and maintain detailed technical records
Familiarity with greenhouse, shade house, and facility operations is preferred
Ability to work independently on routine tasks while coordinating closely with partner staff
Strong attention to detail, safety awareness, and willingness to work outdoors in varying conditions.

Physical Demands

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Regular outdoor work in heat, cold, humidity, and uneven terrain
Exposure to farm machinery, seed processing equipment, and agricultural chemicals, requiring appropriate personal protective equipment
Work may involve repetitive tasks, prolonged standing, bending, walking, and operating equipment.

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

Duties/Responsibilities

Field Work

Prepare, establish, and maintain seed and plant production fields of various native plants

Exercise close control needed in meeting crop improvement association standards for production of seed and plants for conservation and other native plantings.

Complete fertilizer, chemical, and pesticide applications, maintaining labels, proper storage, and reporting as required by responsible regulatory agencies.
Calibrate equipment to ensure application within label or desired guidelines.
Perform proper operation, maintenance, and repair of the various kinds of farm agricultural equipment.

Adapt existing machinery to meet unusual production, harvesting, and cleaning operations, develop methods to handle new and unfamiliar seed and planting stock.

Assists with wild collections seeds from native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.
Assist with facility and landscape maintenance and repairs to maintain facilities in an acceptable condition.

Assist with maintaining the security and safety of the PMC and notify the Farm Foreman or the PMC manager of significant deficiencies.

Percentage of time 60 Duties/Responsibilities

Laboratory Work

Conduct routine laboratory tests (moisture content, purity, seed count, full seed, germination) to determine seed quality.
Maintain and operate specialized laboratory equipment.
Record test data and prepare reports following established guidelines.
Follow seed processing protocols.

Cleans seeds and processes plants produced at the PMC to required standards using various seed cleaning tools and equipment to clean and upgrade seed collections.

Document steps to develop new seed processing protocols.
Collaborate with staff to clean, maintain, package, and ship germplasm conservation seed collections for long-term storage
Manage and record actions as necessary to meet quality management system requirements.

Percentage of time 30 Duties/Responsibilities

Training And Development

Complete required training by UGA and PMC to maintain access to job-critical systems
Complete required certifications to facilitate use of special equipment, such as UTV and/or forklift
Complete required training and/or earn continuing education credits to maintain Georgia Pesticide Applicator's license

Percentage of time 5 Duties/Responsibilities

Education And Outreach

Assist SBG/PMC staff in conducting tours, training, field days, and other technology transfer activities appropriate to the position.
Assist with establishment, maintenance, and evaluation of off-center plantings for demonstration or outreach purposes.

Percentage of time 5

Contact Information

Recruitment Contact

Contact Details

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Recruitment Contact Name Zach Wood Recruitment Contact Email Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume/CV
Cover Letter

Optional Documents