Agricultural Technician II

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech’s AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester, VA is seeking a wage personnel Agricultural Technician.

The role supports pioneering horticulture research through hands-on field and lab work, focusing on developing and managing fruit-tree research plots. Responsibilities include field activities, data management in Excel, and tissue prep for molecular analyses while coordinating with graduate students and staff.

Qualifications

• Experience in plant science or biology in a wage personnel role.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, email and internet apps.
• Valid driver’s license and access to transportation.
• Bachelor’s degree in plant biology or related field (preferred).
• Experience in orchard and laboratory work (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Manage fruit-tree research plots.
• Fieldwork: flag trees, count flowers/fruits, harvest.
• Analyze fruits for physical/chemical traits; document in Excel.
• Prepare plant tissues for molecular and biochemical analysis.
• Assist in field and lab experiments.
• Maintain comprehensive records of experimental activities.
• Collaborate with graduate students and staff on research tasks.

Skills

Plant biology experience

Computer literacy

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in plant biology or related field

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Email / Internet apps

Job description

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

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.

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

Hours per week

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 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.

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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. Sherif Sherifat [e-mail] regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.