Superintendent/Shenandoah Valley AREC

Virginia Tech•Raphine, VA

83d•$95,000 - $105,000•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 Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SVAREC). The SVAREC is located about 65 miles north of Roanoke near the town of Steeles Tavern. Formally known as the McCormick Farm, the site was the home of Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the grain reaper. The SVAREC primarily supports research and extension programs in beef cattle production and reproduction, forages, sheep, and forestry. In addition, the Virginia Sheep Producers Association Performance Ram Lamb test is conducted annually at the AREC. The center has 3 fulltime employees and 1 part time in addition to the superintendent. These and additional center programs are key sources of information locally and statewide for progressive beef, sheep, forage and forest producers. At least 12 other faculty from other Virginia Tech units conduct cooperative research at SVAREC. The Center comprises approximately 878 acres of land (plus additional leases) plus livestock facilities. The superintendent is the administrative head of the SVAREC. The primary responsibility of the superintendent is to provide leadership and support for excellent in integrated research and Extension programs critical to profitability and sustainability of beef, sheep, forages, and forests and related agricultural programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Superintendent will be responsible for all aspects of Center operations including providing leadership for conducting research and extension programs as well as being actively involved in the planning and day to day conduct of research and Extension projects. The position is responsible for public relations and visibility of center programs. The superintendent will work closely with faculty from campus and other ARECs 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, and physically assist with projects, management of herds, facilities, and grounds, and maintenance. The Superintendent is also responsible for managing the historic McCormick Farm site, protecting its status as an historic site, facilitating tours as requested, overseeing the McCormick Memorial Plot, grounds, and buildings, and hosting the annual McCormick Farm Mill Day.

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 ruminant animal production, reproduction, forage utilization and management, including operation of farm equipment and livestock management.
Physically able and willing to perform manual labor
Administrative experience with personnel and fiscal management
Strong commitment to applied research, extension programming, and longterm sustainability of agriculture
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.
Willingness to work with the McCormick museum in interpreting the McCormick story.

Nice To Haves

Capacity for implementing technology applications such as precision agriculture and other 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
Facilities management and coordination
Daily management, evaluation, and recruitment and supervision of staff
Liaison with college and VAES administration and faculty
Promotion of program with local leaders and government agencies
Public relations and visibility of center programs
Work closely with faculty from campus and other ARECs 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, and maintenance
Managing the historic McCormick Farm site, protecting its status as an historic site
Facilitating tours as requested
Overseeing the McCormick Memorial Plot, grounds, and buildings
Hosting the annual McCormick Farm Mill Day
May carry and use a firearm as part of daily responsibilities for wildlife control.