Position Summary: The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) is seeking an experienced individual to provide leadership for the team-based research programs and outreach efforts at the C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park (SIRP), a Research and Education Center (REC) located near Camilla, GA. The SIRP research facility is located in southwestern Georgia and is one of eight RECs that are located throughout the state. Major agronomic crops in the area include corn, cotton, peanuts, and soybeans, while key horticultural crops include sweet corn, blueberries and, more recently, citrus. The facility is intentionally located in the lower Flint River basin of the state – a region with abundant water resources supporting an extensive on-farm irrigation infrastructure across the region. The Stripling Park utilizes both traditional and experimental precision ag technologies to carry out the mission of the Park, including Variable-Rate Irrigation (VRI), advanced irrigation scheduling tools, remote monitoring, and GPS auto-guidance systems.

The incumbent will plan, organize, supervise, and participate in the day-to-day operations of the Research and Education Center and will be responsible for developing policies and procedures for the management and operation of the Research and Education Center including facilities, equipment, management of commercial crop production and sales, budget development and prioritization, research center personnel management, and the development and/or enhancement of education, outreach and public relations activities.

The superintendent is the liaison between the Research and Education Center, CAES researchers, and CAES Extension. The superintendent facilitates research and outreach projects in cooperation with faculty, and also is expected to conduct independent research and outreach programs. The superintendent is expected to seek funding and other resources to help support the operation and essential functions of the research facility. The incumbent will report to the CAES Assistant Dean for Research.

Required Qualifications: Applicant must have a M.S. degree in an agricultural science, such as agronomy, engineering or a related field.  Experience in conducting field research and the operation of research and field-scale farm equipment. Experience with precision agriculture technologies and applications. Experience in experimental design, statistical analysis and data interpretation. Demonstrated supervisory and management experience

Preferred Qualifications: Strong organizational and planning skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple tasks. Demonstrated knowledge of production practices for major crops grown in the area. Excellent communication, team building and interpersonal skills.

About University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Agricultural and environmental sciences are only as important as the food you eat, the clothes you wear and the water and air around you. To improve the quality and guard the safety of life's necessities, the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences has gathered world-renowned scientists and exceptional students. CAES is among the best and most established U.S. colleges of agriculture. In its classrooms, its Agricultural Experiment Stations and its statewide network of UGA Cooperative Extension offices, the faculty and staff of CAES are dedicated to discovering, teaching and delivering the science required for healthy living to flourish in Georgia. CAES is one of 18 schools and colleges that make up the University of Georgia. Small, upper-level classes allow students to connect easily with professors. Students can study plants, animals, business, communication, teaching, food science and the environment. The college focuses on providing a safe food supply, clean environment and a better life for everyone. CAES has classrooms, laboratories and facilities on UGA campuses in Athens, Griffin and Tifton, Georgia.

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