Extension and Research Technician

Virginia Tech; Warrenton (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a field-based extension technician at the Middleburg AREC to support research and producer education. The role connects AREC faculty, Extension Agents, and local agricultural producers through crop scouting, on-farm evaluations, and demonstration plots.

The successful applicant will lead multiple projects, participate in teams, and disseminate results to the agricultural community. Requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a valid driver’s license, with housing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent along with experience in extension and outreach to farmers and landowners.
• Ability to lead research teams and manage project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Strong writing and organizational skills; proficiency in data processing and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist with crop scouting, demonstration plots, on-farm evaluations, and outreach activities.
• Initiate, lead, and manage various research and demonstration projects under supervision.
• Share knowledge of sustainable agronomic and horticulture practices with Virginia producers through partnerships.

Skills

Writing skills

Organizational skills

Project leadership

Data analysis

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

The Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MAREC) is situated in the heart of Virginia's northern piedmont and is one of Virginia Tech's 11 ARECs. Philanthropist Paul Mellon donated the 420-acre farm to Virginia Tech in 1949 to foster research that improved pasture and animal productivity while enhancing the land.

The Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MAREC) is situated in the heart of Virginia's northern piedmont and is one of Virginia Tech's 11 ARECs. Philanthropist Paul Mellon donated the 420-acre farm to Virginia Tech in 1949 to foster research that improved pasture and animal productivity while enhancing the land. The Middleburg AREC continues to play a critical role in the missions of Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The mission of the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center is to serve Virginia's agricultural and equine industries through state-of-the-art research-based education, scientific discovery, applied science, youth engagement and community support. The Middleburg AREC along with Virginia Tech faculty and Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents facilitate; graduate research education/projects, undergraduate hands-on learning activities and community education experiences throughout the year. The Center provides an immersive learning environment designed for students of all ages with a passion for Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Plant and Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, Land Stewardship, Ag Technology and more. With help from community partners, industry professionals and local educational institutions; The AREC helps today's beginners become tomorrow's leaders. https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/middleburg.html. As an extension and research technician, the successful applicant will be responsible for supporting applied research, Extension programming and producer education. This field-based position will serve as a bridge between AREC Faculty, Extension Agents, and local agricultural producers. The technician will assist with crop scouting, demonstration plots, on-farm evaluations, and outreach activities supporting row crop, forage and commercial horticulture systems. Under the direction, supervision and guidance from the MARE Center Director and VCE-Fauquier Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent/Unit Coordinator, the applicant will initiate, lead, and manage various research and demonstration projects. The successful applicant will assist with new and existing projects and participate in teams to develop new extension programming and disseminate the results from this work broadly in the agricultural science and farm communities. The successful applicant will interpret and share knowledge of sustainable agronomic, commercial horticulture and forage production systems with Virginia producers through partnerships with Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and specialists, industry personnel and technical service providers, and industry organizations. Means of communication will include farm visits, field events, workshops, various media publications, and contributions to the MAREC and VCE Fauquier/Rappahannock newsletter.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in relevant discipline or equivalent skills and experience. Demonstrated experience in extension and outreach to farmers, landowners, and others involved in agriculture. Ability to lead research teams and oversee project schedules, budgets, and deliverables. Demonstrated strong writing and organizational skills. Strong understanding of crop scouting, demonstration plots, on-farm evaluations, forage and commercial horticulture systems science and practices needed to design, analyze, and interpret work. Proficiency in data processing and analysis. Must have a valid driver's license. On farm experience with care and management of row crops, forages, and/or livestock production systems. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Demonstrated ability to operate agricultural equipment, or aptitude to learn.

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

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience with forage and livestock research methods.

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's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

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 John Thompson at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.