Field Research Specialist

Job Description

This position provides support to the Plant Pathology Program at the Virginia Tech Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center and more broadly provides support to TAREC administration as needed. The Plant Pathology Program is responsible for research implementation and information delivery of disease management strategies in agronomic crops in the Commonwealth. Current and ongoing research projects include:

• Fungicide efficacy testing
• Fungicide program testing
• Nematicide and fumigant testing
• Evaluation of disease and nematode-resistant varieties
• Precision placement of fungicides and nematicides
• Effects of irrigation and fertility on plant diseases
• Weather-based disease monitoring systems

Duties include:

• Field work with agronomic crop field trials on and off-station
• Maintenance of field plots and greenhouse experiments
• Irrigation design and management
• Application of experimental treatments such as fungicides and nematicides
• Collection of data and maintenance of accurate records of assigned duties including pesticide application records
• Handling and application of agricultural chemicals for field plot maintenance
• Planting and harvesting of research plots
• Hauling field research equipment
• General maintenance of equipment, vehicles, and facilities in the Plant Pathology Program TAREC

This position is also expected to be a part of a two-person team with the program lab manager in:

• Developing trial protocols and carrying out protocol activities
• Co-supervising part-time staff
• Setting up, taking down, and participating in educational events at the Center and other regional events

The successful candidate must communicate and work closely with TARECs Farm Manager and Assistant Farm Manager. While rare, some overnight travel may be necessary on an annual basis.

Required Qualifications

• Relevant experience and education in agronomic crop and/or vegetable production
• Experience in operating agricultural equipment
• Work in agricultural settings during all growing seasons
• Ability to handle strenuous labor
• Must have or obtain a registered technician or category 1A and 10 pesticide applicators license within 3 months of start date
• A Commercial Drivers License within 6 months of start date

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree or B.S. and/or relevant experience and education with field plot maintenance
• Application of pesticides
• Design and data collection experience with small plot agricultural research and pesticide application
• Experience identifying plant diseases, insects, and weeds

Pay Band: 3 Overtime Status: Non-Exempt Eligible for overtime Appointment Type: Regular Salary Information: $40,000 - $46,000 (Commensurate with Experience) Hours per week: 40 Review Date: March 26, 2026 (open until filled)

Additional Information

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

About Virginia Tech

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.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity, or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact David Langston at vegpath@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.