Agricultural Specialist III

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.

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.

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.
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
UA-Univ Staff FT CY Reg

3

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Regular

$44,000 - $50,000; commensurate with experience

40 M-F 7:30-4:30

October 14, 2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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.

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