Blueberry Research and Education Center Superintendent

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S15562P Working Title Blueberry Research and Education Center Superintendent Department CAES-Blueberry Farm 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 or ORP Employment Type Employee Benefits Eligibility Benefits Eligible Full/Part time Full Time Work Schedule Additional Schedule Information

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

Advertised Salary Commensurate with Experience Posting Date 08/04/2026 Open until filled Yes Closing Date Proposed Starting Date 09/01/2026 Special Instructions to Applicants 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 (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

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.

Position Information

Classification Title Facilities Supervisor FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00 Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agronomy, Plant Sciences, or a closely related field
• Three or more years of experience in blueberry production

Position Summary

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.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge of blueberry production systems and management practices.
• Experience in blueberry production.
• Experience with modern irrigation systems and water management technologies.
• Experience utilizing precision agriculture technologies and applications.
• Experience with experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of research data.
• Experience conducting field research and operating research and field-scale agricultural equipment.
• Demonstrated supervisory and personnel management experience.
• Experience managing budgets, resources, and operational priorities.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience with purchasing card (P-Card) procedures and financial accountability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with faculty, staff, industry stakeholders, and external partners.
• Possess, or have the ability to obtain and maintain, a Georgia Private or Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

Physical Demands

• Lift and carry up to 60 pounds.
• Walk, stand, and work for extended periods on uneven terrain.
• Perform tasks involving manual dexterity, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and working at heights on equipment and infrastructure.
• Safely operate hand tools, agricultural equipment, and research machinery.
• Work with pesticides, plant materials, and in dusty or outdoor environments.
• Work in adverse weather conditions and varying seasonal schedules, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Travel and drive to perform job-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? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? Yes Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? Yes 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

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:

• Coordinating multiple concurrent projects involving faculty from diverse academic disciplines.
• Ensuring research protocols are implemented accurately and consistently.
• Maintaining effective communication with faculty and stakeholders regarding project timelines, needs, and outcomes.
• Supporting the successful execution of research, demonstration, and Extension activities.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

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:

• Overseeing maintenance, repair, and security of buildings, equipment, grounds, irrigation systems, and infrastructure
• Developing and managing operational budgets and financial resources
• Planning and implementing short- and long-term capital improvement, equipment replacement, and maintenance strategies.
• Utilizing current CAES recommendations and industry best management practices for blueberry production.

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

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:

• Facilitating field days, tours, demonstrations, and educational programs
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with faculty, staff, Extension personnel, growers, industry representatives, and community stakeholders
• Promoting the use of Center facilities for research, demonstration, and outreach activities
• Developing educational materials and supporting communication efforts that advance the mission of CAES

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

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:

• Communicating operational priorities, expectations, and performance goals
• Conducting employee performance evaluations
• Providing mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities
• Addressing workplace concerns and fostering a positive, collaborative work environment
• Promoting a culture of teamwork, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement

Percentage of time 20 Duties/Responsibilities

Policy, Compliance, and Administrative Management

Develop, implement, and enforce policies, procedures, and operational protocols governing Center activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring compliance with University, CAES, state, and federal regulations
• Maintaining required records, licenses, certifications, and documentation
• Managing commercial crop production and sales activities in accordance with University policies
• Promoting adherence to Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requirements and safety protocols
• Supporting the use of established CAES project requests and approval processes
• Upholding the highest standards of financial stewardship, ethics, safety, and research integrity
• Serves as a primary PCard holder, processing transactions in compliance with policy and established procedures

Percentage of time 20

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 Eric Elsner Recruitment Contact Email eelsner@uga.edu Recruitment Contact Phone

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents