Agricultural Specialist

Job Description

The Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SPAREC) and the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech are seeking an agricultural specialist (hired as an Agricultural Specialist III) to develop native grassland plant seed production on public and private lands as part of a research and extension program aiming to improve the commercial availability of native grassland plant seeds, build the economic knowledge base for native seed production, and train new conservation leaders.

This is a one-year full‑time position that will be based in Blackstone, Virginia, and the job will involve traveling to collect seed, process seed, and work with private landowners, among others. The primary responsibilities will include collecting, conditioning, and transporting native grassland seed; establishing and maintaining seed production plots at SPAREC; collecting ecological data in field and/or lab settings; assisting seed producers with field establishment, harvest, and technical needs, as needed, with planting, maintaining, and harvesting other crops s is a restricted position with a starting date of April 10, 2026 ending December 31, 2026 (9 months).

• Experience with agricultural production, particularly with rowcrops
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to challenges
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors for extended periods of time in varying conditions
• A valid driver's license

• An associate or bachelor's degree in agronomy, crop and soil sciences, horticulture, natural resources management, botany, or a related field
• Experience with native plant propagation
• Knowledge of seed collection and processing
• Knowledge of grassland flora of eastern North America
• Experience operating agricultural field equipment

• Pay Band: 3
• Overtime Status:
  Non‑Exempt:
  Eligible for overtime
• Appointment Type:
  Restricted
• Salary Information: $40,000 - $45,000; commensurate with years of experience
• Hours per week: 40 M‑F 7:30‑4:30
• Review Date:
  March 27, 2026; open until filled

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

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 Arash Rashed at arashr during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.