What are the responsibilities and job description for the Horticulturist - Research and Education Garden, Griffin position at Inside Higher Ed?
Posting Number:
S14828P
Working Title:
Horticulturist - Research and Education Garden, Griffin
Department:
CAES-Griffin Campus
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 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.
Posting Type:
External
Retirement Plan:
TRS
Employment Type:
Employee
Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible
Full/Part Time:
Full Time
Additional Schedule Information:
Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date:
03/06/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Proposed Starting Date:
03/29/2026
Location of Vacancy:
Griffin Area
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 (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Classification Title:
Horticulture Technician I
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
FTE:
1.00
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent
Position Summary:
The incumbent provides technical support for the management of facilities and programs provided through the UGA Research and Education Garden on the UGA Griffin Campus. Specific duties include, but are not restricted to, design, planning, installation, and maintenance of annual and perennial plants in the theme gardens housed in demonstration areas within the Garden; selection, installation and maintenance of tree species and varieties for the Garden’s expanding urban arboretum; coordinating with scientists to establish and maintain plots for research studies conducted in the Garden; installation, maintenance and management of irrigation systems supplying research plots and demonstration gardens; maintenance and operation of the greenhouse and shade house facilities located in the Garden; propagation, installation and maintenance of bedding plants and nursery stock for theme gardens and landscape accents in the Garden; prepare and maintain a current inventory and map of plant species, varieties and cultivars in the Garden’s theme gardens and arboretum; prepare and install plant identification labels for plants in the Garden’s theme gardens and arboretum; provide support for various workshops or educational/outreach programs and events offered by the Garden for green industry professionals, Master Garden groups, gardening enthusiasts and other clientele. Responsible for planning of annual events held at the Research & Garden. Train and supervise permanent and temporary employees and interns working in the Garden. Purchase emergency repairs and purchases needed for general maintenance at the Research and Education Garden with PCard.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies:
Yes
Is this a Position of Trust?:
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:
Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? :
Yes
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
Yes
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):
No
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:
50
Duties/Responsibilities:
25
Duties/Responsibilities:
10
Duties/Responsibilities:
5
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Ben Fields
Recruitment Contact Email:
bwf1@uga.edu
S14828P
Working Title:
Horticulturist - Research and Education Garden, Griffin
Department:
CAES-Griffin Campus
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 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.
Posting Type:
External
Retirement Plan:
TRS
Employment Type:
Employee
Benefits Eligibility:
Benefits Eligible
Full/Part Time:
Full Time
Additional Schedule Information:
Monday-Friday; 8am-5pm
Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with Experience
Posting Date:
03/06/2026
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Proposed Starting Date:
03/29/2026
Location of Vacancy:
Griffin Area
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 (hrweb@uga.edu).
USG Core Values Statement:
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as 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 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.
Classification Title:
Horticulture Technician I
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
FTE:
1.00
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent
Position Summary:
The incumbent provides technical support for the management of facilities and programs provided through the UGA Research and Education Garden on the UGA Griffin Campus. Specific duties include, but are not restricted to, design, planning, installation, and maintenance of annual and perennial plants in the theme gardens housed in demonstration areas within the Garden; selection, installation and maintenance of tree species and varieties for the Garden’s expanding urban arboretum; coordinating with scientists to establish and maintain plots for research studies conducted in the Garden; installation, maintenance and management of irrigation systems supplying research plots and demonstration gardens; maintenance and operation of the greenhouse and shade house facilities located in the Garden; propagation, installation and maintenance of bedding plants and nursery stock for theme gardens and landscape accents in the Garden; prepare and maintain a current inventory and map of plant species, varieties and cultivars in the Garden’s theme gardens and arboretum; prepare and install plant identification labels for plants in the Garden’s theme gardens and arboretum; provide support for various workshops or educational/outreach programs and events offered by the Garden for green industry professionals, Master Garden groups, gardening enthusiasts and other clientele. Responsible for planning of annual events held at the Research & Garden. Train and supervise permanent and temporary employees and interns working in the Garden. Purchase emergency repairs and purchases needed for general maintenance at the Research and Education Garden with PCard.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And/or Competencies:
- Knowledge of horticulture plant pests, such as weeds, insects, and diseases.
- Knowledge of proper pesticide safety and usage.
- Knowledge of plant identification, horticultural practices, soil fertility, and testing.
- Knowledge of tractors, mowers, landscape equipment, and maintenance techniques; ability to operate and properly maintain landscape machinery and equipment, including, but not restricted to, tractors, mowers, and landscaping equipment.
- Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinate personnel.
- Work outdoors at hard manual labor under varied climatic conditions.
- Heavy lifting (50lbs).
- Driving as needed to perform work tasks.
Yes
Is this a Position of Trust?:
Yes
Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?:
Yes
Does this position require a P-Card? :
Yes
Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? :
Yes
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):
No
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:
- Working closely with the Senior AG Specialist on the daily tasks and needs of the UGA Research and Education Garden.
- Delegates tasks to full-time, part-time, and volunteers to ensure the demonstration garden, shade house, research areas, and greenhouse are properly maintained and operational.
- Responsible for planning of annual events held at the Research & Education Garden.
50
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Maintaining annual and perennial flower beds, turfgrass, and research areas within the research and education garden.
- Coordinate with the Senior Agricultural Specialist to develop spray schedules according to best management practices for pest management.
25
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Preparation of the Research and Education Garden Classroom for events.
- Perform walk through of the classroom and restrooms to ensure cleanliness and proper working facilities.
- Any work requests or repairs needed are appropriately documented within the Facilities Management Division website.
- Minor issues of blowing leaves off the walkway and other areas are to be performed.
10
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Coordinate with research and extension faculty and staff and the Senior Agricultural Specialist to establish research and demonstration plots in the research and education garden.
- Research and demonstration needs at the research and education garden are a service provided.
- Inventory, map, and label flower beds, trees, shrubs, and other plants within the research and education garden.
- Responsibilities include correct identification of plant material within the garden and labeling accordingly.
- Knowledge of the use and maintenance of the engraving machine.
- Planning and purchasing requests for materials.
- PCard purchases for emergency repairs and general maintenance at the Research and Education Garden.
5
Contact Details:
For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below.
Recruitment Contact Name:
Ben Fields
Recruitment Contact Email:
bwf1@uga.edu