Research Farm and Operations Assistant Manager

Virginia Tech•Suffolk, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position provides primary support for the Research Farm and Operations Manager of the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center (Tidewater AREC) and other sites as directed. The role involves supporting farming operations and general maintenance at the Tidewater AREC to achieve its research and Extension mission. This includes maintaining land, equipment, and infrastructure, performing routine groundskeeping, procuring agricultural and related supplies, and managing record keeping and reporting for research and regulatory requirements. The individual may also carry and use a firearm for wildlife control. Key responsibilities include land preparation, planting, maintenance, experimental treatment applications, harvesting, and the collection and processing of data. This position may also involve supervising part-time employees and assisting in the preparation and facilitation of Extension-sponsored meetings and field tours.

Requirements

High school diploma
Computer skills necessary for record keeping and data management
Valid Virginia driver's license and good driving record
Must have or make progress towards obtaining a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License Category 10 (Demonstration and Research) within six months of employment
Must have or make progress towards obtaining within six months of employment a commercial driver's license with a Class A endorsement and a DOT medical certification
Must be able to lift 100 pounds to waist
Must have a criminal background check
Must have a driver's license check
Must complete a pre-employment drug screening and are subject to random testing

Nice To Haves

Experience working with agricultural field research techniques
Working knowledge of agricultural production practices
Ability to operate farm machinery safely and effectively including tractors, tillage implements, sprayers, and harvesting equipment
Ability to operate a zero-turn lawn mower and other equipment for grounds maintenance

Responsibilities

Provide primary support for the Research Farm and Operations Manager of the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center (Tidewater AREC) and other sites as directed
Provide support for the farming operations and general maintenance at the Tidewater AREC as required to achieve the research and Extension mission
Maintain land, equipment and infrastructure
Perform routine groundskeeping
Procure agricultural and related supplies
Perform record keeping and required reporting as necessary for research and regulatory requirements
Carry and use a firearm as part of the daily responsibilities for wildlife control
Perform land preparation
Perform planting
Perform maintenance (of experimental plots/crops)
Apply experimental treatments
Perform harvesting
Collect and process data
Supervise part-time employees (may)
Assist in preparation and facilitation of Extension-sponsored meetings and field tours