Blueberry Research and Education Center Superintendent

The University of Georgia, chartered in 1785, is the birthplace of public higher education in America and Georgia’s flagship university. Ranked among the top 20 public universities by U.S. News & World Report, UGA’s main campus is in Athens, with 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 Department

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 Georgia’s blueberry-producing region, is a partnership among UGA, Bacon County, and the blueberry industry. The 45-acre farm includes 25 acres of southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberry cultivars, representing commercial production systems in southeast Georgia.
• The Alapaha location encompasses 75 acres in Berrien County, 20 miles east of the UGA Tifton Campus, supporting breeding, production, and applied research by faculty from Tifton and Athens.

About the Role

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 and involves the use of a PCard.

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.
  • Ensure research protocols are implemented accurately and consistently, maintaining communication with faculty and stakeholders regarding project timelines, needs, and outcomes.
  • Support the execution of research, demonstration, and Extension activities.
• Farm and Physical Plant Management (20%)
  • 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 CAES recommendations and industry best management practices for blueberry production.
• Education, Outreach, and Stakeholder Relations (20%)
  • Facilitate field days, tours, demonstrations, and educational programs.
  • Build and maintain 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 advancing the CAES mission.
• Personnel Management (20%)
  • Recruit, supervise, develop, and evaluate full-time and part-time employees.
  • Communicate operational priorities, expectations, and performance goals.
  • Conduct employee performance evaluations and provide mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities.
  • Address workplace concerns and foster a positive, collaborative work environment.
• 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.
  • Manage commercial crop production and sales in accordance with University policies.
  • Promote adherence to Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requirements and safety protocols.
  • Serve as a primary PCard holder, processing transactions in compliance with policy.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 8 years of professional experience.
• Possess, or 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.
• Experience with purchasing card (P-Card) procedures and financial accountability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships 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.
• 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.