Farmer Engagement Support Coordinator

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech's Sustainable Grasslands Lab in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences is seeking a qualified professional to advance grazing management, soil health monitoring, and grassland research. The role requires coordinating field outreach, delivering education to producers, and supporting applied research and program administration.

The successful candidate will work with producers, Extension agents, faculty, and students, carrying out technical assistance, data collection, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience working with agricultural producers, landowners, or natural resource stakeholders.
• Knowledge of forage, grazing, pasture, or grassland management principles.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate activities across multiple locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct technical assistance to agricultural producers and coordinate outreach and educational programming.
• Support applied research initiatives and assist with grassland management program administration.
• Assist with monitoring soil health and ecosystem indicators to assess management impacts on farms.
• Collaborate with farmers, Extension agents, and faculty across Virginia Tech’s Sustainable Grasslands Lab.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Travel ability

Independent work

Data management

Education

Bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop and soil sciences, animal science, environmental science, agricultural education, natural resources, or related field

Equivalent education and experience

Job description

Job Description

This position is supported through Advancing Markets Program grants designed to strengthen grassland resilience and promote management practices that enhance the ecosystem services and productivity of forage‑livestock production systems. The successful candidate will work directly with agricultural producers to implement grazing and land management practices and monitor their impacts over time.

The position reports to the State Forage Extension Specialist and the Engagement Supervisor and collaborates closely with producers, Virginia Cooperative Extension agents, Small Farm Outreach Program agents, agency personnel, forage industry partners, and faculty, staff, and students within Virginia Tech’s Sustainable Grasslands Lab in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

The successful candidate will provide direct technical assistance to agricultural producers, coordinate and deliver outreach and educational programming, support applied research initiatives, and assist with the administration of grassland management programs. These efforts will focus on advancing resilient, sustainable, and productive grazing systems through the integration of research, Extension programming, and stakeholder engagement.

The role will support producers in implementing best management practices and participate in monitoring and evaluation efforts, including soil health and other ecosystem indicators, to assess the impacts of management changes on participating farms.

Success in this position requires the ability to work collaboratively with farmers, researchers, students, Extension personnel, and community stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, possess strong communication and relationship‑building skills, and be capable of coordinating field‑based research and outreach activities that support both scientific and producer‑driven objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop and soil sciences, animal science, environmental science, agricultural education, natural resources, or a related field; or equivalent education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with agricultural producers, landowners, or natural resource stakeholders.
• Knowledge of forage, grazing, pasture, or grassland management principles.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and priorities, and coordinate activities across multiple locations.
• Experience collecting, managing, and maintaining accurate field, research, or program data.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly throughout Virginia, including to farms and field sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with warm‑season native grass and/or silvopasture establishment, management, and outreach.
• Experience conducting field research, on‑farm trials, or participatory research projects.
• Knowledge of soil health principles, soil sampling techniques, and conservation‑oriented agricultural practices.
• Experience developing and delivering educational programming, workshops, field days, or Extension outreach activities.
• Experience coordinating the work of students, interns, volunteers, or research personnel.
• Familiarity with grant‑funded projects and associated reporting requirements.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

50,000-60,000

Hours per week

40

Review Date

07/19/2026 (Open until filled)

Additional Information

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

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