AGRICULTURIST

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises field laboratory personnel involved in all phases of work performed for a large number of soil, and plant, or animal scientist including land preparation, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, and decisions on pest control measures.Coordinates research activities with university departments as well as state and federal agencies.Meets with scientists to discuss program needs, makes land assignments for scientists and graduate students.Determines cropping systems, labor, pesticides, and other general research needs and requirements.Coordinates field laboratory aspects for a large group of research technicians and graduate students working the UGA scientific programs.Supervises and/or resolves problems encountered in field laboratory operations including equipment repair, soil conservation, disease, nematode and insect infestations, weeds, pesticide safety, water conservation, and irrigation.Determines and prioritizes needs and purchases of equipment, laboratory shop supplies, fuel, oil, fertilizer, pesticides, and building and equipment maintenance.Plans annual and long-range budgets and operations procedures for proper management and conduct of research at the plant sciences field laboratory.Hires laboratory personnel and terminates when necessary.Performs annual evaluation of laboratory personnel.Maintains petty cash account.Watches markets and sells farm products grown on plots and other lands in the laboratory.Collects soil samples and maintain records on all areas relative to fertility and use history.Provides proper irrigation and water management for field research efforts.Maintains a daily work and plot management log to provide long-term field management history.Provides records of field laboratory work efforts to administrators and scientists for accounting purposes.Attends technical information exchange programs and evaluates technological changes for implementation in the laboratory.Provides educational tours for high school and college students associated with classroom instruction and/or soil judging work.Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of crop plant pests, such as weeds, insects, and diseases.Knowledge of proper pesticide safety and usage.Knowledge of hazardous materials handling and disposal.Knowledge of soil fertility and testing.Knowledge of up-to-date crop management technology.Knowledge of plant and soil science research methods, techniques, and procedures.Knowledge of farm equipment, materials, and maintenance techniques.Knowledge of budget management.Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinate personnel.-