Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor

Virginia Tech Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics

Job no: 535164

Work type:
Administrative & Professional

Senior management:
Agriculture & Life Sciences

Department:
Agriculture Technology 2-year Program

Location:

Blacksburg, Virginia

Categories:
Agriculture / Life Science

Salary: $52,221 – $73,109

Hours per week: 40

Review Date: 01/18/2026

Applications close:
Open until filled

Serves as an Academic Advisor for students within the Agriculture Agricultural Technology program and the Exploring Life Science Program. This role provides comprehensive, confidential one‑on‑one advising, including course registration, developing plans of study, tracking graduation progress, and explaining university policies.

• Advising:
  Provide one‑on‑one advising, consistent and accurate communications with students, and confidential maintenance of student records. Responsibilities include advising majors on course selection, registration, creating plans of study, monitoring progress to graduation, performing graduation clearances, explaining college and university policies, and communicating electronically.
• Instructor:
  Lead the preparation and instruction of the CALS Exploring Life Sciences section of the First Year Seminar (fall for Exploring Life Science students and spring for college‑wide transfer students) and direct Peer Mentors for the courses.
• Administrative:
  Participate in recruiting and advising activities for the university, college, and unit, including orientation, welcome sessions, change of major information sessions, open house, and prospective student visits; lead and manage the CALS Ambassadors program; participate in the Agricultural Technology application review process and on‑boarding of new students.

• Master's Degree from an accredited institution, preferably in student development, counseling, education, or a relevant discipline; or Bachelor's Degree with equivalent training and/or experience in advising.
• Excellent communication, organizational, time management, problem‑solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently to meet deadlines and set work priorities.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain a high level of confidentiality following FERPA, university, and department guidelines.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population, including students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, prospects, and families.

• Employment experience in academic units, including prior work in academic student services, advising, recruiting, and curriculum processes.
• Proven record showing the ability to comprehend and communicate technical careers in agriculture and green industries.
• Experience using student information systems such as Banner and Navigate.

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

Virginia Tech is dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), and is an inclusive community committed to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors and serves a diverse population of over 36,000 students. Virginia Tech does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics and provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities.