Job Description

This position provides direct support and assistance to the Agricultural Farm Manager for managerial oversight of farm operations at Virginia Tech's Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC) in Painter, VA. The Eastern Shore AREC is one of eleven off-campus units within the university's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In this role, the Assistant Farm Manager assists with operations and maintenance on the 220-acre Center with four resident faculty members, graduate students, post-docs, and technical support staff conducting research for crops economically important to the Eastern Shore of Virginia that includes fresh market tomato, snap beans, potato, soybean, wheat, corn, among others. The individual in this position is responsible for assisting with farming operations at the AREC in a coordinated manner with faculty, staff, and graduate students as required to achieve the research and extension mission of the AREC. This includes oversight and maintenance of land, equipment and infrastructure, procurement of agricultural and related supplies, sale of excess agricultural commodities, record keeping and required reporting as necessary for research and regulatory requirements, weather equipment maintenance and reporting. The Assistant Farm Manager reports administratively to the Agricultural Farm Manager.

Required Qualifications

Experience growing and managing various vegetable, grain, and oilseed agricultural crops on a commercial basis for control of insects, disease, weeds, fertility, irrigation, etc. is mandatory. Ability to interact with diverse groups including faculty, graduate students, staff, and stakeholders. Managerial capability to prioritize daily, weekly, and seasonal tasks and to coordinate these tasks effectively with faculty and staff. Maintain precise records of all tasks performed in research plots and for general field operations. Computer knowledge and experience to assist in maintaining records is needed. Responsible for animal control, may carry a firearm as part of daily job responsibilities. Ability to obtain a CDL with air brakes and trailer endorsements and a Category 10 (Demonstration and Research Pest Control) commercial pesticide license within 6 months of being hired. The Assistant Farm Manager must be available "on call" around the clock to respond to accidents and emergency situations such as storm damage, electrical outages, snow removal, irrigation issues, etc. Must have a High School diploma

Preferred Qualifications

An agricultural degree (AA, BS, or MS) in agronomy, horticulture, or similar discipline and/or extensive experience with production farming practices. Integration of precision agriculture into research and farming operations is preferred and includes global positioning system (GPS) technologies including RTK, autosteer, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), farm management software, and similar.

Pay Band

3

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$37,000 - $47,000; commensurate with experience

Review Date

January 5, 2024

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 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 , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.