Agricultural Specialist III

Virginia Tech; Blackstone (VA); On-site; USD 44,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech’s Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SPAREC) in Blackstone, VA seeks a candidate to generate, collect, analyze, and transfer research data while managing daily field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities. The role collaborates with project leaders and the farm manager to initiate experiments, set protocols, and integrate research into the center’s program.

Occasional travel within the state, extended hours during peak seasons, and compliance with safety

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of agricultural research techniques and procedures;
• Experience operating agricultural and/or research equipment and vehicles;
• Knowledge of production agriculture to project sound judgment in research;
• Precision, thoroughness, timeliness, and total disclosure in research;
• Experience with managing and training subordinates and peers;
• Knowledge of agricultural disease and pest identification;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to communicate with a diverse clientele base;
• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Generate, collect, analyze, and transfer research data; manage field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities and Center operations;
• Interact with project leaders and the farm manager to initiate experiments and establish research protocols;
• Integrate research projects into the Center's total program;
• May occasionally travel within the state and work beyond normal hours;
• Comply with safety and project governance; visa sponsorship not provided.

Skills

Agricultural research techniques

Equipment operation

Production agriculture knowledge

Communication

Leadership / training

Pest/disease knowledge

Diverse clientele communication

Field work in various weather

Education

Associates or BS degree in Agriculture, Biology, Horticulture, or related area

Job description

Job Description

This position is located off campus at the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SPAREC) in Blackstone, Virginia. The successful candidate will generate, collect, analyze, and transfer research data; manage these efforts, plus daily field, greenhouse, and laboratory research activities and Center operations. The successful candidate will interact with project leaders and the farm manager to initiate experiments, establish research protocols, and integrate research projects into the total research program of the Center. The employee will be required to occasionally work beyond the normal work schedule and may be required to occasionally travel within the state to perform necessary tasks at offsite locations. Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Required Qualifications

• Working knowledge of agricultural research techniques and procedures;
• Experience operating agricultural and/or research equipment and vehicles;
• Working knowledge of and abilities in production agriculture sufficient to project sound judgment into a research setting;
• Demonstrated appreciation and concern for precision, thoroughness, timeliness, and total disclosure in research activities;
• Experience with managing and training subordinates and peers;
• Knowledge of agricultural disease and pest identification;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse clientele base;
• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates or BS degree in Agriculture, Biology, Horticulture, or related area or equivalent training and experience in production agriculture and/or agricultural research;
• Experience in tobacco, forage, row crops and/or ruminant livestock production;
• Private and/or commercial pesticide applicators license. Experience and knowledge of agricultural equipment and vehicle preventative maintenance.

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

UA-Univ Staff FT CY Reg

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$44,000 - $50,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40 M-F 7:30-4:30

Review Date

October 14, 2026

Additional Information

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 inclusive community 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 undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. 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 Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually. Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development. Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Arash Rashed at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.