GA Seed Network Field Technician, State Botanical Garden Based at Dry Branch, GA

Posting Details Posting Number:
S14775P

Working Title:
GA Seed Network Field Technician, State Botanical Garden Based at Dry Branch, GA

Department:
PSO-State Botanic Garden of GA

About the University of Georgia:
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the states flagship university ( . 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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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.

About the College/Unit/Department:

College/Unit/Department website:

Posting Type:
External

Retirement Plan:
TRS

Employment Type:
Employee

Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible

Full/Part time:
Full Time

Work Schedule:

Additional Schedule Information:
40 hours a week
8am to 5pm Monday through Friday with some flexibility depending on field work and seed viability.

Advertised Salary:
$39,000

Posting Date:
05/26/2026

Open until filled:
Yes

Closing Date:

Proposed Starting Date:
06/22/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants:

• This posting will be used to hire multiple applicants
• Based at the Forest Service National Seed Laboratory in Dry Branch, GA
• Funding is secured for three years. The positions term may be extended should additional revenue lines be secured.

Location of Vacancy:
Outside Athens

EEO Policy Statement:
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 ( ... ).

USG Core Values Statement:
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 .

Position Information Classification Title:
Horticulture Technician I

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

FTE:
1.00

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications:

Position Summary:
The Seeds of Success ( SOS ) program is a national native seed conservation initiative led by the Bureau of Land Management ( BLM ) in partnership with organizations across the United States. The program focuses on the collection, processing, testing, and long-term conservation of genetically diverse native plant seeds for restoration, research, and conservation.
This position is located at the Forest Service National Seed Laboratory in Dry Branch, GA. The incumbent provides technical assistance to professional and technical personnel by performing a variety of recurring and moderately complex laboratory tests, processing and cleaning seed collections, and conducting a variety of tasks in support of the national seed labs quality management system.
Funding is secured for three years. The positions term may be extended should additional revenue lines be secured.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:

• Practical knowledge of the methods and techniques of the appropriate biological science and skill in understanding instructions readily to accomplish a variety of technical duties common to seed testing laboratories.
• Knowledge of applicable data gathering techniques in order to select from available alternatives and to adapt them to meet specific situations without seriously affecting the validity and reliability of collected data.
• Ability to recognize various stages of seed and plant development, including cone and seed maturity, seedling growth, health, and pest-related plant biology, including taxonomy, anatomy, ecology, and physiology, to ensure accurate seed analysis.
• Knowledge of technical terminology used in the seed laboratory, nursery, and seed extractory, and skill in applying such knowledge to perform assigned duties.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and operate equipment used to collect samples.
• Analytical ability to perform routine mathematical calculations and keep detailed and precise records used to prepare simple technical reports.
• Skill in using standard laboratory and field equipment, with dexterity to perform assigned duties
• Basic knowledge of accepted safety practices to prevent injury and loss of life.

Physical Demands:

• Be able to lift 50 pounds
• The work environment has risks or discomforts that require following normal safety precautions and using safety equipment such as protective clothing, boots, gloves, goggles, dust mask, ear protection, and other gear
• Incumbents will use chemicals or other products that require the following MSDS guidelines and other instructions
• Work will primarily be performed in a seed laboratory.
• General working conditions are favorable, but will require working in a cooler or freezer where temperatures can be extreme (cold).
• Work may also be performed at a seed processing plant or nursery where rain, wind, or unfavorable temperature conditions may be encountered.
• Employees must exercise safe work practices in all workstations.
• Sitting at a laboratory workstation for prolonged periods of time often requires the use of magnification aids and microscopes.
• Manual dexterity and the ability to use tweezers and other laboratory instruments for detailed seed examination are required.
• Occasional field work at seed processing plants or nurseries will occur in an outdoor setting.
• Stamina to work for long periods of time evaluating seed and seedlings is required.

Is driving a responsibility of this position?:
Yes

Is this a Position of Trust?:
Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:
No

Does this position require a P-Card? :
No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?:
No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications):
Yes

Credit and P-Card policy:
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 .

Background Investigation Policy:
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 .

Duties/Responsibilities Duties/Responsibilities:
Laboratory Work

• Conduct routine laboratory tests (moisture content, purity, seed count, full seed, germination) to determine seed quality.
• Maintain and operate specialized laboratory equipment.
• Record test data and prepare reports following established guidelines.
• Assist in developing and documenting experimental testing methods.
• Follow seed processing protocols.
• Use tools and equipment to clean and upgrade seed collections.
• Document steps to develop new seed processing protocols.
• Collaborate with staff to clean, maintain, package, and ship germplasm conservation seed collections for long-term storage.
• Manage and record actions as necessary to meet quality management system requirements.
• Any other tasks related to the project requested by the supervisor.

Percentage of time:
80

Duties/Responsibilities:
Field Work

• Collect seeds from native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants.

Percentage of time:
10

Duties/Responsibilities:
Outreach and Education

• Assist SBG / NSL staff in conducting tours, training, field days and other technology transfer activities appropriate to the position.
• Present work at professional conferences and public forums

Percentage of time:
5

Duties/Responsibilities:
Training and Development

• Complete required training by UGA and NSL to maintain access to job-critical systems

Percentage of time:
5