Job Description
The Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SPAREC) and the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech are seeking a field Agricultural Specialist to help with Native Seed Production as a part of a three-year research and extension program that aims to: (1) improve the commercial availability of native grassland plant seeds by partnering with historically underserved farmers* in southern Virginia, (2) build the economic knowledge base for native seed production, and (3) train new conservation leaders. This full-time position will be based in Blackstone, Virginia, and the job will involve traveling. The primary responsibilities will include collecting, conditioning, and transporting native grassland seed; assisting with the establishment of production plots at SPAREC; helping with field maintenance, and planting and harvesting other crops (e.g., soybean, tobacco and cereals); interacting with stakeholders during Field Days; collecting ecological data in field and/or lab settings; and assisting seed producers with field establishment, harvest, and technical needs. The start date is January 10, 2025.
* The USDA defines 'historically underserved' farmers or ranchers as those who are beginning, socially disadvantaged, veterans, or limited resource.
Required Qualifications
• Experience with agricultural production, particularly with row crops
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to challenges
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors for extended periods of time in varying conditions
• A valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications
• A bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop and soil sciences, horticulture, natural resources management, botany, or a related field
• Experience with native plant propagation
• Knowledge of seed collection and processing
• Knowledge of grassland flora of eastern North America
• Experience operating agricultural field equipment
• Proficiency in Spanish
Pay Band
3
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$38,000 - $44,000; commensurate with experience
Review Date
October 4, 2024
Additional Information
Must be able to lift 50+ pounds. |Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, reach, grasp and perform repetitive tasks with hands.| Must be able to work outside in adverse weather (cold and hot) conditions. Must have a criminal background check | Must have a driver's license check | Other (Describe Below) | Must have an acceptable and safe driving record | This is an off-campus position located at the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC), located in Blackstone, VA. Employee may be required occasionally to work beyond normal work schedule and may be required to occasionally travel within the state to perform necessary tasks at offsite locations.
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 communitydedicated 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 medicinecollege, Graduate School , andHonors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including theInnovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerousExtension offices andresearch centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.
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