Assistant Breeder

S14658P

Assistant Breeder

CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences

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.

External

TRS or ORP

Employee

Benefits Eligible

Full Time

Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm with occasional nights and weekends to meet project demands.

Commensurate with Experience

02/03/2026

Yes

03/01/2026

Griffin Area

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.

Res Associate-Life Science II

Exempt

1.00

Bachelor’s degree in a related field of science and 2 years of professional experience

Experience in turfgrass science, turf management, plant breeding, or applied agricultural research, along with familiarity in stakeholder engagement and professional communication. The ability to operate and maintain research equipment, including turfgrass machinery and seed-processing tools, is highly desirable, as is experience supervising student workers or field crews. Strong knowledge of turfgrass agronomy and research field management is beneficial, and possession of a Category 24 Georgia Pesticide Applicator License (Ornamental and Turf) or willingness to obtain one is preferred. Interest in pursuing a master’s degree under the faculty breeder is also encouraged.

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia seeks a motivated and highly skilled Assistant Breeder to support the Turfgrass Breeding Program on the Griffin Campus. The program focuses on the development of improved seed-propagated turfgrass cultivars, including bermudagrass, seashore paspalum, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue, for use in lawns, golf courses, sports fields, and recreational areas. The Assistant Breeder will serve as a lead research associate, overseeing daily operations across the field, greenhouse, and laboratory. This individual will supervise staff and student workers; manage data collection, organization, and analysis; maintain detailed breeding records; operate and maintain research equipment; and contribute to manuscripts, extension activities, and program reporting. Acting as an extension of the faculty breeder, the Assistant Breeder will implement breeding and selection decisions, maintain continuity of the breeding pipeline, and advance superior lines toward release. This position is central to the success of the turfgrass breeding program and provides outstanding opportunities to gain experience in applied plant breeding, genetics, field research operations, and cultivar development.

• Strong management and organizational skills
• Competence in data collection, statistical analysis, and reporting
• Effective communication across various audiences
• Ability to supervise students and coordinate complex field and greenhouse activities
• Mechanical aptitude, including experience with equipment calibration, modification, and maintenance
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn research software are important
• Attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality research
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively and willingness to travel as needed throughout the state
• Ability to operate tractors, sprayers, mowers, harvesters, seed cleaners, and related research equipment

• Working outdoors in field conditions and in greenhouse environments with heat and humidity
• Standing for extended periods
• Driving as needed to perform job duties
• Lifting up to 50 pounds

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

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.

Program Management:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the turfgrass breeding program by overseeing greenhouse, field, and laboratory workflows; coordinating seasonal and student workers; and ensuring that planting, plot maintenance, sample collection, and greenhouse tasks are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Planning and organizing breeding nurseries, progeny tests, and advanced line trials, as well as maintaining smooth communication among personnel and ensuring that all activities align with breeding timelines and research priorities.

40

Research Execution and Data Management:

• Coordinate, implement, and execute breeding and applied research protocols across multiple turfgrass species. Responsibilities include collecting, organizing, and analyzing research and breeding data; maintaining germplasm inventories and seed storage systems; managing detailed breeding records; and assisting in data interpretation, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Work closely with the faculty breeder to implement breeding and selection decisions that advance superior lines through the pipeline.

40

Technical and Mechanical Support:

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain research equipment used in greenhouse, field, and seed-processing workflows. This includes tractors, mowers, sprayers, harvesters, and seed-cleaning equipment, as well as oversight of the maintenance, repair, or modification of tools and infrastructure required to support research operations.
• Ensures all research environments remain functional, prepared, and safe for seasonal and year-round activities.

10

Collaboration, Outreach, and Academic Support:

• Collaborate with graduate students, faculty, and collaborators on ongoing research projects; assist in mentoring student workers and interns; and participate in extension and outreach events such as field days, conferences, and educational demonstrations.
• Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, progress reports, and grant-related activities.

5

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Additional responsibilities may be assigned to support the overall mission and operational needs of the turfgrass breeding program.

5

For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.

Phillip Vines

phillip.vines@uga.edu