Field & Lab Aide (Strawberry & Berry Research)

Virginia Tech; Hampton (VA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Hampton is seeking a part-time field assistant to support the Hampton Roads Agriculture Research and Extension Center. The role involves working with strawberry and blackberry plots, collecting data in the field and lab, and helping with planting, maintenance, and harvesting.

You will mark plots, apply fertilizer, transplant, mow, prune, and set row covers; enter measurements in Excel and assist with sample analyses.

Qualifications

• Basic computer skills and an interest in plant sciences.
• Ability to work outside in the field, in all weather conditions.
• Prior field, lab, or greenhouse experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with maintenance of agricultural research plots and laboratory analysis.
• Set up research trials including marking plots, bed making, fertilization, and transplanting (10%).
• Maintain plots by mowing, pruning, and setting row covers (20%).
• Harvest berries in the field (40%).
• Collect field and lab data: plant health ratings, canopy readings, fruit sugar content, size and firmness (20%).
• Enter data in MS Excel (10%).

Skills

Basic computer skills

Interest in plant sciences

Outdoor field work

Excel data entry

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

Virginia Tech in Hampton is seeking a part-time field assistant to support the Hampton Roads Agriculture Research and Extension Center. The role involves working with strawberry and blackberry plots, collecting data in the field and lab, and helping with planting, maintenance, and harvesting.

You will mark plots, apply fertilizer, transplant, mow, prune, and set row covers; enter measurements in Excel and assist with sample analyses.