This Agricultural Specialist and Manager position supports research, teaching, and extension programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences by supervising and performing precision field tasks and experimental plot activities, as well as operating sophisticated agricultural equipment with a very proficient skill level.
About the Role – Supporting Agricultural Research at Virginia Tech
Department: School of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Core Focus: Field operations, experimental plot activities, and agricultural equipment operation
Compensation: $50,000 to $55,000 (Pay Band 4), 40 hours per week
Employment Status: Regular, non-exempt position eligible for overtime
Compliance: Criminal conviction check required; valid CDL required within 6 months of hire
Career Growth & Hands-On Agricultural Work
Strategic Location: Blacksburg, Virginia – home to Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Research Impact: Directly support research, teaching, and extension programs shaping agricultural science
Skill Development: Build expertise across equipment operation, welding, livestock care, and precision agriculture
Career Growth: Stable university employment with clear pay banding and overtime eligibility
Position Overview
This Agricultural Specialist and Manager role supports research, teaching, and extension programs by supervising and performing precision field tasks and experimental plot activities, and operating sophisticated agricultural equipment at a highly proficient level. You will follow and implement written experimental and crop production field plans, calibrate sprayers, adjust planting and harvesting equipment, maintain accurate records, perform equipment repairs and welding, and work with livestock units including feeding, herd health, and transport.
💡 Why This Role Matters: As Agricultural Specialist and Manager, you directly support agricultural research and teaching programs at a major land-grant university, operate and maintain sophisticated agricultural equipment critical to experimental field work, apply hands-on skills across welding, carpentry, plumbing, and equipment repair, work closely with livestock units in a hands-on agricultural production environment, and build a stable career supporting Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Key Responsibilities
Field Operations & Equipment
- Supervise and perform precision field tasks and experimental plot activities
- Operate sophisticated agricultural equipment with a very proficient skill level
- Read, understand, and adjust computerized tractor and equipment settings
- Calibrate sprayers and precisely adjust planting and harvesting equipment
Experimental & Crop Production Support
- Successfully follow and implement written experimental and crop production field plans
- Comprehend and carry out complex instructions
- Maintain accurate records and follow data collection procedures
Equipment Maintenance & Repair
- Read and understand service, parts, and operator manuals
- Operate gas and electric welders, and perform a wide variety of equipment repairs
- Perform carpentry and plumbing tasks as needed
- Experience in electric/arc welding, oxyacetylene cutting, and MIG welding
Livestock & General Farm Duties
- Work with livestock units, including feeding, herd health, and transporting livestock
- Perform general livestock working duties as required
- Maintain familiarity with basic Microsoft Office programs for reporting and documentation
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent years of training and experience
Experience Requirements
- Experience in the operation and repair of agricultural tractors and machinery
- Experience in a variety of welding (electric/arc, oxyacetylene cutting, MIG, etc.)
- Experience in some phase of agricultural or livestock production and equipment operation/repair
- Ability to operate large, complex agricultural and research equipment
Licensing Requirements
- Must have a valid CDL with any required endorsements within six (6) months of hire
Preferred Qualifications
- Valid CDL with any required endorsements at time of hire
- Use of tools and trade skills in plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and electrical work
- Experience in building and maintaining permanent farm fencing
- Experience in installing and maintaining water lines
About This Virginia Tech Agriculture Opportunity
This Agricultural Specialist and Manager role sits within Virginia Tech’s School of Animal Sciences, part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Blacksburg, VA. The position supports critical research, teaching, and extension programs through hands-on field operations, equipment management, and livestock care, offering a stable, well-compensated role for skilled agricultural professionals.
Career Excellence: Support agricultural research and teaching at a leading land-grant university while applying hands-on farm equipment and livestock expertise.
Who Should Apply?
- Agricultural Equipment Operators: Experienced in tractor and machinery operation and repair
- Farm Managers: With hands-on livestock production and equipment experience
- Skilled Tradespeople: With welding, carpentry, plumbing, or electrical experience in agricultural settings
- CDL Holders: Interested in agricultural research and field operations roles
- Agriculture Graduates: Seeking hands-on experience within a university research environment
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