Peanut Breeding Program Project Assistant

Posting Number: S15440P Working Title: Peanut Breeding Program Project Assistant Department: CAES-Crop & Soil Sciences Overview 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 the state’s flagship university. UGA is ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is in Athens with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs faculty and staff across multiple campuses and programs. Posting Type: External Retirement Plan: TRS Employment Type: Employee Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible Full/Part time: Full Time Additional Schedule Information: Schedule is to be set by the supervisor. Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience Posting Date: 07/15/2026 Open until filled: Yes Proposed Starting Date: 08/01/2026 Location of Vacancy: Tifton 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, 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 25 institutions of higher education and learning, and the System Office. Core values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. Details 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. Classification Title: Project Assistant I FLSA: Non-Exempt FTE: 1.00 Position Summary The Peanut Breeding Program Project Assistant provides advanced administrative, operational, and clerical support for the University of Georgia Peanut Breeding Program under the direction of Dr. Bill Branch. The selected individual serves as a key support professional responsible for coordinating daily administrative functions that contribute to the successful operation of a nationally recognized agricultural research program. Primary responsibilities include managing complex correspondence, maintaining accurate records and data systems, and providing financial operations support, including transactional processing and purchasing card administration in compliance with university policies. The position also supports research and grant activities through the preparation and coordination of manuscripts, publications, proposals, and related documentation. Additional duties include coordinating publication submissions, preparing program materials and reports, maintaining confidential records, and managing deadlines and priorities to support overall program operations. This role requires professionalism, discretion, strong organizational skills, and independent judgment in supporting the administrative and operational needs of the Peanut Breeding Program. Term: This is a limited-term appointment expected to end 2 years after the start date. Renewal or extension beyond the initial term is anticipated but not guaranteed and will depend on project needs, funding, and performance. Renewal may be contingent upon continued grant support. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies Excellent organizational skills Computer proficiency to include Microsoft 365 and digital services such as DocuSign and PDF editing Previous experience tracking project budgets and writing project summaries Physical Demands Work behind a desk for extended periods to complete written reports Driving to perform job-related tasks 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?: Yes 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., IT security, personnel 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 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 and verification of credentials and employment history related to the job requirements; pre-employment drug test may be required for high-risk positions. Please visit the UGA Background Check website for details. Duties/Responsibilities Administrative & Research Support Provide comprehensive administrative support for the Peanut Breeding Program, including preparation, formatting, proofreading, and submission of manuscripts, journal articles, cultivar registrations, grant proposals, abstracts, reports, correspondence, presentations, and other research-related materials. Coordinate manuscript submissions through online journal management systems and track submission progress and deadlines. Perform data entry and assist with organizing research data for analysis. Prepare annual plot plans, PowerPoint presentations, and supporting documentation for meetings, presentations, and research activities. Manage and prioritize correspondence, including drafting emails, letters, and other communications on behalf of Dr. Branch. Maintain organized and confidential files, records, and databases in both digital and physical formats. Assist in coordinating schedules, tracking deadlines, and proactively planning upcoming tasks and deliverables to ensure efficient program operations. Identify administrative challenges and recommend solutions that improve workflow efficiency and office operations. Percentage of time: 65 Duties/Responsibilities: Financial, Payroll & Operational Support Manage day-to-day financial and operational activities for assigned faculty and program accounts, including processing payment requests, purchase orders, travel authorizations, expense statements, and related financial documentation in accordance with university policies and procedures. Review bi-weekly payroll and leave requests for accuracy and approval. Maintain and reconcile purchasing card records and supporting documentation for the Peanut Breeding Program. Process deposits and assist with financial tracking and reporting as needed. Serve as the primary point of contact for visitors, phone calls, and general inquiries related to the Peanut Breeding Program. Maintain digital records and administrative documentation and coordinate departmental vehicle mileage reporting to ensure compliance with university reporting requirements. Percentage of time: 30 Duties/Responsibilities: Special Projects & Additional Support Provide administrative assistance to faculty and the Senior Business Manager on special projects, departmental initiatives, and program activities as assigned. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as needed in support of the administrative and operational functions of the Peanut Breeding Program. Percentage of time: 5 Contact Details For questions concerning this position or recruitment progression, please refer to the Recruitment Contact listed below. Recruitment Contact Name: Tara Riner Recruitment Contact Email: tara.riner@uga.edu #J-18808-Ljbffr