Blueberry Research and Education Center Superintendent

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.

Hours to be assigned by supervisor to meet the needs of the farm

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).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well 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 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience

The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences ( CAES) Blueberry Research and Education Center ( REC) consists of two locations: the Blueberry REC-Alma and the Blueberry REC-Alapaha. The REC supports a broad range of research, Extension, and educational programs focused on blueberry breeding, production systems, orchard management, pest management, and related disciplines.

The Alma location, situated in the heart of Georgia's blueberry-producing region, represents a partnership among the University of Georgia, Bacon County, and the blueberry industry. The approximately 45-acre farm includes 25 acres of southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberry cultivars and provides an environment representative of commercial production systems throughout southeast Georgia.

The Alapaha location encompasses approximately 75 acres in Berrien County, approximately 20 miles east of the UGA Tifton Campus. Its proximity to campus makes it ideally suited to support breeding, production, and applied research programs conducted by faculty from both the Tifton and Athens campuses.

The Superintendent serves as the chief administrator and manager of the CAES Blueberry Research and Education Center. This position is responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, and participating in the day-to-day operations of both locations. Responsibilities include managing facilities, equipment, research and Extension trials, commercial crop production and sales, personnel, budgets, and stakeholder relations. The Superintendent serves as the primary liaison between the Research and Education Center, CAES Office of Research, and research and Extension faculty, facilitating research, demonstration, and outreach activities that support the blueberry industry and the mission of CAES.

The Superintendent reports directly to the CAES Executive Superintendent of Research and Education Centers. This position involves the use of a PCard.

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.

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.

Research and Project Management
Coordinate with CAES research and Extension faculty to develop, implement, and manage research and demonstration projects in accordance with approved protocols, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities include:

Farm and Physical Plant Management
Direct all aspects of crop production and facility operations to ensure efficient, safe, and productive management of the Research and Education Center.

Responsibilities include:

Education, Outreach, and Stakeholder Relations
Support and promote educational, Extension, and outreach activities that enhance the visibility and impact of the Blueberry Research and Education Center.

Responsibilities include:

Personnel Management
Recruit, supervise, develop, and evaluate full-time and part-time employees to support the mission and goals of the Research and Education Center.

Responsibilities include:

Policy, Compliance, and Administrative Management
Develop, implement, and enforce policies, procedures, and operational protocols governing Center activities.

Responsibilities include: