Lab and Research Assistant- Dairy Environmental Programs

Job Description

The Research Assistant will serve as a liaison between Virginia Tech research and extension programs, Virginia State Dairy Association, and dairy producers enrolled in environmental incentive programs across Virginia. This individual will play a key role in coordinating communication with producers, collecting farm records, and organizing data to support quantification and verification of environmental outcomes and program compliance.

The successful candidate will have a strong working knowledge of dairy production systems and farm management practices, exceptional organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. This position will involve both on-farm engagement and data management tasks, contributing to ongoing research and outreach supporting the sustainability and profitability of Virginia's dairy industry.

Travel to farms throughout Virginia is required. The position may be based outside Blacksburg if the physical location is convenient to the major dairy farming areas of Virginia. The position requires regular in‑person farm visits and coordination with university project staff. Thus, travel to farms and Blacksburg is expected.

• Bachelor's degree in animal, dairy, or agricultural science, agricultural economics, environmental science, or related field; and/or relevant professional training and experience.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of dairy farm management practices, farm records, and production systems.
• Understanding of conservation practices applied in agricultural systems, with priority given to individuals with a working knowledge of conservation programs in Virginia.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data management tools.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel throughout Virginia, including to active dairy farms.

• Master's degree in animal, dairy, or agricultural science, agricultural economics, environmental science, or a related field.
• Familiarity with conservation programs (e.g., cost‑share, nutrient management, or conservation initiatives).
• Established connection to the Virginia dairy industry or experience working with Virginian dairy producers.
• Experience collecting and handling farm‑level data.
• Understanding of agricultural environmental regulations or sustainability metrics.
• Experience with data visualization, database systems, or GIS software.

4

Non‑Exempt:
Eligible for overtime

Restricted

$45,000 - $55,000; commensurate with experience.

40

02/15/2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check. The hiring unit is unable to sponsor work visas for this position.

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.

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