Job Description

This position provides primary support for the Research Farm and Operations Manager of the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center (Tidewater AREC) and other sites as directed.

Responsibilities include providing support for the farming operations and general maintenance at the Tidewater AREC as directed by the Research Farm and Operations Manager as required to achieve the research and Extension mission of the Tidewater AREC.

This includes maintenance of land, equipment and infrastructure, routine groundskeeping, procurement of agricultural and related supplies, record keeping and required reporting as necessary for research and regulatory requirements.

This position may carry and use a firearm as part of the daily responsibilities for wildlife control.

This individual will also be responsible for land preparation, planting, maintenance, experimental treatment applications, harvesting and collection and processing of data.

This person may also supervise part-time employees.

This individual will assist in preparation and facilitation of Extension-sponsored meetings and field tours.

The Research Farm and Operations Assistant Manager reports administratively to the Tidewater AREC Research Farm and Operations Manager, and the Director of the Tidewater AREC.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma.

Computer skills necessary for record keeping and data management.

Must have a valid Virginia driver's license and good driving record.

Must have or make progress towards obtaining a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License Category 10 (Demonstration and Research) within six months of employment.

Must have or make progress towards obtaining within six months of employment a commercial driver's license with a Class A endorsement and a DOT medical certification.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working with agricultural field research techniques.

Working knowledge of agricultural production practices and ability to operate farm machinery safely and effectively including tractors, tillage implements, sprayers, and harvesting equipment.

Ability to operate a zero-turn lawn mower and other equipment for grounds maintenance.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

May 4, 2026; open until filled

Additional Information

Must be able to lift 100 pounds to waist.

Must have a criminal background check.

Must have a driver's license check.

Must have or make progress towards obtaining a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License Category 10 (Demonstration and Research) within six months of employment.

Must have or make progress towards obtaining within six months of employment a valid CDL license with Class A endorsement (air brake requirement).

Must possess and maintain a DOT medical certification.

Must complete a pre-employment drug screening and are subject to random testing.

Seasonally dependent, this job may require working more than 8 hours a day, or occasional weekend work.

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 Bradley Slye at bslye@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.