Blueberry Research and Education Center Superintendent

The University of Georgia, chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and the state’s flagship university. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report, with a main campus in Athens and extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. The university employs approximately 3,100 faculty and over 7,700 full-time staff, serving more than 41,000 students across 19 schools and colleges.

About the Role

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 research, Extension, and educational programs focused on blueberry breeding, production systems, orchard management, pest management, and related disciplines.

• The Alma location, in the heart of Georgia’s blueberry-producing region, spans approximately 45 acres, including 25 acres of southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberry cultivars. It represents a partnership among UGA, Bacon County, and the blueberry industry.
• The Alapaha location encompasses approximately 75 acres in Berrien County, about 20 miles east of the UGA Tifton Campus, supporting breeding, production, and applied research programs.

The Superintendent serves as the chief administrator and manager of the CAES Blueberry Research and Education Center, overseeing day-to-day operations at both locations. This position reports directly to the CAES Executive Superintendent of Research and Education Centers.

Responsibilities

• Research and Project Management (20%)
  • Coordinate with CAES research and Extension faculty to develop, implement, and manage research and demonstration projects in accordance with approved protocols, policies, and procedures.
  • Manage multiple concurrent projects involving faculty from diverse academic disciplines.
  • Ensure research protocols are implemented accurately and consistently.
  • Maintain effective communication with faculty and stakeholders regarding project timelines, needs, and outcomes.
• Farm and Physical Plant Management (20%)
  • Direct all aspects of crop production and facility operations to ensure efficient, safe, and productive management of the Research and Education Center.
  • Oversee maintenance, repair, and security of buildings, equipment, grounds, irrigation systems, and infrastructure.
  • Develop and manage operational budgets and financial resources.
  • Plan and implement short- and long-term capital improvement, equipment replacement, and maintenance strategies.
  • Utilize current CAES recommendations and industry best management practices for blueberry production.
• Education, Outreach, and Stakeholder Relations (20%)
  • Support and promote educational, Extension, and outreach activities that enhance the visibility and impact of the Blueberry Research and Education Center.
  • Facilitate field days, tours, demonstrations, and educational programs.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with faculty, staff, Extension personnel, growers, industry representatives, and community stakeholders.
  • Promote the use of Center facilities for research, demonstration, and outreach activities.
  • Develop educational materials and support communication efforts that advance the mission of CAES.
• Personnel Management (20%)
  • Recruit, supervise, develop, and evaluate full-time and part-time employees to support the mission and goals of the Research and Education Center.
  • Communicate operational priorities, expectations, and performance goals.
  • Conduct employee performance evaluations.
  • Provide mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities.
  • Address workplace concerns and foster a positive, collaborative work environment.
  • Promote a culture of teamwork, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Policy, Compliance, and Administrative Management (20%)
  • Develop, implement, and enforce policies, procedures, and operational protocols governing Center activities.
  • Ensure compliance with University, CAES, state, and federal regulations.
  • Maintain required records, licenses, certifications, and documentation.
  • Manage commercial crop production and sales activities in accordance with University policies.
  • Promote adherence to Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requirements and safety protocols.
  • Support the use of established CAES project requests and approval processes.
  • Uphold the highest standards of financial stewardship, ethics, safety, and research integrity.
  • Serve as a primary PCard holder, processing transactions in compliance with policy and established procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience.
• Possess, or have the ability to obtain and maintain, a Georgia Private or Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

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.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of blueberry production systems and management practices.
• 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.

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.