• Support Director of the Blueberry Breeding Research Program with planning, development and execution of research, teaching and extension programs throughout the state and internationally.
  • Prepare and maintain confidential files for all department personnel for review and evaluation as needed.
  • Implement grant projects and policies for efficient departmental function and administration.
  • Represent the Director to the public, clientele, students, administrators and visitors.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff and students with problem resolution.
  • Makes decisions on how best to address issues, problems and application of departmental policies in the absence of the Director.
  • Update BBP Directory for department and provide updates to IT Specialist as necessary.  
  • Manage and execute daily operations related to programs activities within the blueberry breeding program.
• Keep the Director’s calendar.
  • Advise the Director of all administrative, policy and day-to-day operations in the program, when Director is out of the office.
  • Support Director by preparing documents, correspondence, reports, open mail and route accordingly, sending/receiving documents, coordinating events and liaising with collaborators and international growers to help promote future research and development.
  • Organizes schedules for faculty interviews including making travel and housing arrangements.
  • Coordinate Seasonal hires and events necessary during harvest season.
• Track department accounts and work with Director on department annual and end year fiscal project analysis. 
  • Liaise with IFAS Shared Services (ISS) on department and faculty accounts.
  • Keep up to date with project parameters and deadlines required.
• Support Director and Faculty with Visiting Scholar requirements and Visa processes mandated by state law and IFAS HR including onboarding.
  • Resolve complex HR issues and serve as point of contact and liaison to the public, collaborators and international interests.
  • Oversee the processing of graduate students with travel authorities, travel expense reports, UFGo coordination and processing as necessary.
  • Provide training and understanding of UF systems for travel and conference attendance.
• Support faculty and staff in completion of performance evaluation paperwork and forms.
  • Monitor deadline compliance with HOS HR and IFAS HR. 
  • Submit information needed for processing.
  • Ensure that all personnel are informed and in compliance with all regulations and policies related to employment and day-to-day performance of duties and tasks.
  • Work to resolve employee concerns and conflicts.
• Work closely with HOS HR and IFAS HR to prepare letters of offer, promotion, draft position descriptions/announcements and help with reclassifications, OPS employee requirements and recruitments and SPI requests.
  • Prepares and process departmental requests for courtesy faculty appointments and graduate faculty appointments.
  • Handle most of the purchasing for the blueberry breeding program administrative office, laboratories and graduate student project requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• This position is stationed in a very busy work environment and is most suited for someone who seeks multi-tasking, enjoys challenges and can function well in a demanding work environment. 
• Position serves as the representative and spokesperson for the department; incumbent must possess a professional, friendly demeanor and must maintain an excellent attendance record at all times.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to establish work priorities.
• Ability to understand and apply pertinent rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Ability to utilize problems solving techniques.
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of personnel and business practices.
• Knowledge of UF policies and procedures for HR and fiscal processes.