Agricultural Specialist III

Virginia Tech•Blackstone, VA

3d•$44,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located off campus at the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SPAREC) in Blackstone, Virginia. The successful candidate will generate, collect, analyze, and transfer research data; manage these efforts, plus daily field, greenhouse, and laboratory research activities and Center operations. The successful candidate will interact with project leaders and the farm manager to initiate experiments, establish research protocols, and integrate research projects into the total research program of the Center. The employee will be required to occasionally work beyond the normal work schedule and may be required to occasionally travel within the state to perform necessary tasks at offsite locations. Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Requirements

Working knowledge of agricultural research techniques and procedures.
Experience operating agricultural and/or research equipment and vehicles.
Working knowledge of and abilities in production agriculture sufficient to project sound judgment into a research setting.
Demonstrated appreciation and concern for precision, thoroughness, timeliness, and total disclosure in research activities.
Experience with managing and training subordinates and peers.
Knowledge of agricultural disease and pest identification.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse clientele base.
Ability to work outside in various weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Associates or BS degree in Agriculture, Biology, Horticulture, or related area or equivalent training and experience in production agriculture and/or agricultural research.
Experience in tobacco, forage, row crops and/or ruminant livestock production.
Private and/or commercial pesticide applicators license.
Experience and knowledge of agricultural equipment and vehicle preventative maintenance.

Responsibilities

Generate, collect, analyze, and transfer research data.
Manage daily field, greenhouse, and laboratory research activities and Center operations.
Initiate experiments, establish research protocols, and integrate research projects into the total research program of the Center.
Occasionally work beyond the normal work schedule.
Occasionally travel within the state to perform necessary tasks at offsite locations.