Superintendent, Southwest Virginia AREC

Virginia Tech•Glade Spring, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) and Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is seeking a Superintendent for the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SWAREC). The Southwest Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SWAREC), located near Glade Spring, Virginia, supports Virginia Tech’s land-grant mission through applied research and Extension programs serving livestock and forage producers across Southwest Virginia and the Commonwealth. The Center focuses on beef cattle, sheep, and forage systems, with strong emphasis on practical, field-based solutions developed in partnership with faculty across multiple Virginia Tech units. The Southwest AREC is the key site for hair sheep research at Virginia Tech. It is home to the Southwest Virginia Forage-Based Ram Test, being the first program offered in the U.S. evaluating rams through a forage-based performance test designed specifically to quantify post-weaning growth and parasite resistance for the sheep industry. SWAREC spans 210 acres of land and includes livestock and research facilities that support on-farm and field-scale studies. The Center is staffed to support daily operations and collaborative research, serving as a key resource for regionally relevant agricultural innovation and producer outreach.

Requirements

Master's degree animal science, agronomy, or a closely related discipline
Agricultural research experience
Evidence of strong professional leadership, communication, interpersonal and administrative skills
Farm business management experience; experience in animal production, reproduction, forage utilization and management, including operation of farm equipment and livestock management.
Physically able and willing to perform manual labor and lifting up to 100 lbs
Administrative experience with personnel and fiscal management
Strong commitment to applied research, extension programming, and long term sustainability of agriculture endeavors at the Southwest AREC
Must have or obtain within 6 months of hire date a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License Category 10 (Demonstration and Research Pest Control).
Skilled in computer software programs (Microsoft, others) for management and communications
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (oral, written) with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds within the university, industry, and public sectors.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in developing and implementing strategic plans
Experience in obtaining or cooperating on extramural funding support from commodity and industry groups, governmental agencies and/or Foundations.
Capacity for implementing technology applications (precision ag; SmartFarm related technologies) appropriate for advancing applied research and Extension programming.
Familiarity working with Extension, academia, and/or a farm-based research facility.

Responsibilities

Preparation and management of budgets/funds (Foundation, private industry, federal and state) utilizing appropriate VT platforms and record maintenance
Facilities management and coordination
Oversight and leading daily Center operations
Management, evaluation, recruitment and supervision of Full and Part-Time staff
Oversight of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and International Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) trainings and responsibilities of staff
Liaison with CALS and VAES administration and faculty
Organizing and participating in Field Days and Stakeholder meetings
Promotion of programs with local leaders and government agencies
Public relations and visibility of all Center programs
Work closely with faculty from campus, local and regional County Extension Agents, other AREC’s, other university collaborators, and industry leaders and stakeholders to develop strategic plans and execute protocols for Research and Extension programs at the Center
Schedule and discuss work priorities with the staff on a regular basis
Physically assist with projects, management of herds, facilities, and grounds maintenance
May carry and use a firearm as part of daily responsibilities for wildlife control