Extension and Research Technician

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; New Baltimore (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MAREC) at Virginia Tech is seeking an extension and research technician to support applied research, Extension programming, and producer education. The role bridges AREC faculty, Extension agents, and local producers, assisting with crop scouting, demonstration plots, on-farm evaluations, and outreach activities.

Under supervision of the Center Director and VCE Fauquier ANR Agent/Unit Coordinator, you will initiate, lead, and manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience in extension and outreach to farmers and landowners.
• Ability to lead research teams and manage budgets/deliverables.
• Strong writing and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in data processing and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support applied research, Extension programming, and producer education.
• Assist with crop scouting, demonstration plots, on-farm evaluations, and outreach activities.
• Coordinate with AREC faculty, Extension agents, and producers to disseminate results.
• Develop and manage extension programming and new projects in collaboration with teams.
• Interpret and share knowledge on agronomic, horticultural, and forage systems with producers.

Skills

Crop scouting

Data analysis

Written communication

Driver's license

On-farm experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Job Description

The Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MAREC)is situated in the heart of Virginia’s northern piedmont and is oneof Virginia Tech’s 11 ARECs. Philanthropist Paul Mellon donated the420-acre farm to Virginia Tech in 1949 to foster research thatimproved pasture and animal productivity while enhancing theland.

The Middleburg AREC continues to play a critical role in themissions of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and LifeSciences. The mission of the Middleburg Agricultural Research andExtension Center is to serve Virginia’s agricultural and equineindustries through state-of-the-art research-based education,scientific discovery, applied science, youth engagement andcommunity support.

The Middleburg AREC along with Virginia Tech faculty and VirginiaCooperative Extension Agents facilitate; graduate researcheducation/projects, undergraduate hands-on learning activities andcommunity education experiences throughout the year. The Centerprovides an immersive learning environment designed for students ofall ages with a passion for Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine,Plant and Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, LandStewardship, Ag Technology and more. With help from communitypartners, industry professionals and local educationalinstitutions; The AREC helps today's beginners become tomorrow'sleaders. https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/middleburg.html.

As an extension and research technician, the successful applicantwill be responsible for supporting applied research, Extensionprogramming and producer education. This field-based position willserve as a bridge between AREC Faculty, Extension Agents, and localagricultural producers. The technician will assist with cropscouting, demonstration plots, on-farm evaluations, and outreachactivities supporting row crop, forage and commercial horticulture systems.

Under the direction, supervision and guidance from the MARE CenterDirector and VCE-Fauquier Agriculture and Natural ResourcesAgent/Unit Coordinator, the applicant will initiate, lead, andmanage various research and demonstration projects. The successfulapplicant will assist with new and existing projects andparticipate in teams to develop new extension programming anddisseminate the results from this work broadly in the agriculturalscience and farm communities. The successful applicant willinterpret and share knowledge of sustainable agronomic, commercialhorticulture and forage production systems with Virginia producersthrough partnerships with Virginia Cooperative Extension agents andspecialists, industry personnel and technical service providers,and industry organizations. Means of communication will includefarm visits, field events, workshops, various media publications,and contributions to the MAREC and VCE Fauquier/Rappahannocknewsletter.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in relevant discipline or equivalent skills andexperience. Demonstrated experience in extension and outreach tofarmers, landowners, and others involved in agriculture. Ability tolead research teams and oversee project schedules, budgets, anddeliverables. Demonstrated strong writing and organizationalskills. Strong understanding of crop scouting, demonstration plots,on-farm evaluations, forage and commercial horticulture systemsscience and practices needed to design, analyze, and interpretwork. Proficiency in data processing and analysis. Must have avalid driver’s license. On farm experience with care and managementof row crops, forages, and/or livestock production systems. Must beable to lift 50 pounds. Demonstrated ability to operateagricultural equipment, or aptitude to learn.

Housing is available. Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicantsfor work visas for this vacancy.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience with forage and livestock researchmethods.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$45,000 - $55,000

Hours per week

40

Close Date

August 26, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver'slicense check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminalconviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking ahands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to beleaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institutionthat enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout theworld, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, andcreativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverseenrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, andprofessional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presenceacross Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C.area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sitesin Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes . A leading global research institution,Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in researchannually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professionaldevelopment opportunities and university shared governance . These valuablecontributions to university shared governance provide importantrepresentation and perspective, along with opportunities for uniqueand impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, orapplicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (includingpregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, geneticinformation, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation,race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, orotherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquireabout, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensationof other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protectedby law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire anaccommodation, please contact John Thompson at [e-mail] during regularbusiness hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.