Research Technician

Virginia AG; Suffolk, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Suffolk, VA invites applications for a part-time field support role supporting agronomy research. The position involves seed preparation, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and data collection for lab and field trials.

Average 29 hours per week, up to 1,500 hours annually. Off-campus site; non-visa-sponsor position. Criminal conviction check required; wage $15.00–$20.00 per hour commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Must have completed high school degree or equivalent.
• General knowledge of crop production.
• Ability and wiliness to work outside under hot humid conditions.
• Experience working independently as well as in a team environment.
• Licensed to operate a motor vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Assist with packaging and organization of seed for research trials.
• Assist research technicians in planting, maintenance, and harvesting of research plots.
• Assist in data collection for laboratory and field research trials.

Skills

High school diploma or equivalent

Crop production knowledge

Outdoor/harsh weather work

Teamwork and independent work

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

The position provides support for the field crops agronomy research program at the Virginia Tech’s Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Duties will include, but are not limited to: assisting with packaging and organization of seed for research trials; assisting research technicians in planting, maintenance, and harvesting of research plots; assisting in data collection for laboratory and field research trials. This is an off-campus position located at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Suffolk, VA. Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy. This is an average of 29 hours per week and limited to 1,500 hours total between May 1 - April 30.

Required Qualifications

• Must have completed high school degree or equivalent.
• General knowledge of crop production.
• Ability and wiliness to work outside under hot humid conditions.
• Experience working independently as well as in a team environment.
• Licensed to operate a motor vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in small-plot agricultural research.
• Experience in operating row crop planters, sprayers, and cotton pickers.
• Possess knowledge of agronomic production systems, with emphasis on cotton production systems.
• Applicants who currently hold a valid private/commercial pesticide applicators license or exhibit the ability to obtain a commercial pesticide license.
• Experience with common fertilizer materials and possess an understanding of basic principles of soil fertility and nutrient management.

Pay Band

2

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$15.00 - $20.00; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

Average of 29 hours per week/1500 hours per year

Review Date

October 10, 2026

Additional Information

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