Research Specialist Sr

Position: Research Specialist Sr.
Location: Painter

Research Specialist Sr.

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536205

Work type:
Staff

Senior management:
Agriculture & Life Sciences

Department:
Eastern Shore AREC

Location:

Painter, Virginia

Categories:
Agriculture / Life Science, Research / Scientific

Job Description

The position provides technical support to the Horticulture Production Systems Program at the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC), located on the Delmarva peninsula in Painter, Virginia. This is an off-campus position. The position will be primarily field based (establishment and maintenance of field trials, application of pesticides, data collection, and plant samples from field plots and commercial fields) with a focus on vegetables (potato, green bean, tomato, peppers, etc.)

with additional opportunities to work with small fruits, tree fruits, and ornamental crops. Responsibilities will also include lab (post-harvest assessments), office (data entry, preparing extension materials, maintenance of inventory, budget and compliance records), and supervisory (oversee part-time employees, assist graduate student research) tasks.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a plant science related field (Horticulture, Crop and Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Weed Science, etc.) or a combination of education and extensive experience in a related field. Knowledge of production horticulture and farm practices including the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of commercial horticultural crops, or similar crops. Detail oriented and self-motivated to implement research trials and collect data.

Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, etc.). Ability to train, manage, and mentor hourly employees and student labor. A successful candidate must have or be able to obtain and maintain a Virginia Driver's License and a Virginia commercial pesticide applicator license within three months of start date. Candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs and have a willingness to learn to operate farm machinery and trailers safely.

Preferred Qualifications

Basic laboratory skills and/or basic understanding of statistics. Knowledge of pesticides. A successful candidate would ideally be eager to learn and hone new skills. Some experience in extension, agriculture education, or agricultural communications.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$55,000 - $65,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

May 26, 2026

Additional Information

Ability to perform strenuous field labor.

Must have a criminal background check.

Must be able to use respirator.

Must have valid driver's license.

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 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.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

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 Dr. Amanda Lay at amandamlw during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised:
April 22, 2026

Applications close: