Agricultural Technician Ii

Commonwealth Of Virginia; Winchester; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester seeks a wage personnel Agricultural Technician to support fruit-tree research through hands-on field and laboratory work, developing and managing research plots.

The role involves field tasks, data entry in Excel, and collaboration with graduate students and staff. Requires plant science experience, a valid driver’s license, and solid computer skills; position is part-time with up to 1,500 hours per year.

Qualifications

• Direct or related experience in plant science or biology.
• Computer literacy with MS Word, Excel, email, and internet applications.
• A valid driver's license and access to personal transportation.
• Bachelor’s degree in plant biology or related field; practical orchard/lab experience preferred.
• Experience in data management and supervision.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee fruit-tree research plots.
• Engage in fieldwork including flagging trees, counting flowers and fruits, and harvesting.
• Analyze fruits for physical and chemical characteristics, and document findings in Excel.
• Prepare plant tissues for molecular and biochemical analysis, including sample grinding with liquid nitrogen.
• Assist in a broad range of field and lab experiments.
• Ensure accurate and efficient data management, maintaining comprehensive records of all experimental activities.
• Collaborate with graduate students, field technicians, and other personnel on research initiatives.

Skills

Plant science experience

Biology background

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in plant biology or related field

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Email

Internet apps

Job description

We are looking for a wage personnel at Virginia Tech’s AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, located in Winchester, Virginia. Join the dynamic horticulture research team at Virginia Tech's AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center as a wage personnel Agricultural Technician. This role is crucial in supporting groundbreaking research through hands‑on field and laboratory work, focusing on the development and management of fruit-tree research plots.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee fruit-tree research plots.
• Engage in rigorous fieldwork including flagging trees, counting flowers and fruits, and harvesting.
• Analyze fruits for physical and chemical characteristics, and document findings in Excel.
• Prepare plant tissues for molecular and biochemical analysis, including sample grinding with liquid nitrogen.
• Assist in a broad range of field and lab experiments.
• Ensure accurate and efficient data management, maintaining comprehensive records of all experimental activities.
• Collaborate with graduate students, field technicians, and other personnel on research initiatives.

This position will not exceed 1,500 hours within in the payment year.

Required Qualifications

• Direct or related experience in plant science or biology as a wage personnel or similar capacity.
• Computer literacy, particularly with MS Word, Excel, email, and internet applications.
• A valid driver's license and access to personal transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in plant biology or related field; practical experience in orchard and laboratory work is ideal.
• Experience in data management and supervision.

Pay Band

2

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Approximately 29 hours per week/1500 hours per year

Review Date

November 6, 2026

Additional Information

Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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