Extension and Research Technician

Job Description

The Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MAREC) is situated in the heart of Virginia’s northern piedmont and is oneof Virginia Tech’s 11 ARECs. Philanthropist Paul Mellon donated the
420-acre farm to Virginia Tech in 1949 to foster research thatimproved pasture and animal productivity while enhancing theland.

The Middleburg AREC continues to play a critical role in themissions of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The mission of the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center is to serve Virginia’s agricultural and equineindustries through state-of-the-art research-based education,scientific discovery, applied science, youth engagement and community support.

The Middleburg AREC along with Virginia Tech faculty and Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents facilitate; graduate researcheducation/projects, undergraduate hands-on learning activities and community education experiences throughout the year. The Center provides an immersive learning environment designed for students ofall ages with a passion for Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine,Plant and Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, Land Stewardship, Ag Technology and more. With help from community partners, industry professionals and local educational institutions;
The AREC helps today's beginners become tomorrow'sleaders. https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

As an extension and research technician, the successful applicant will be responsible for supporting applied research, Extensionprogramming and producer education. This field-based position willserve as a bridge between AREC Faculty, Extension Agents, and localagricultural producers. The technician will assist with cropscouting, demonstration plots, on-farm evaluations, and outreach activities supporting row crop, forage and commercial horticulture systems.

Under the direction, supervision and guidance from the MARE Center Director and VCE-Fauquier Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent/Unit Coordinator, the applicant will initiate, lead, andmanage various research and demonstration projects. The successfulapplicant will assist with new and existing projects and participate in teams to develop new extension programming and disseminate the results from this work broadly in the agriculturalscience and farm communities. The successful applicant will interpret and share knowledge of sustainable agronomic, commercialhorticulture and forage production systems with Virginia producersthrough partnerships with Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and specialists, industry personnel and technical service providers,and industry organizations.

Means of communication will includefarm visits, field events, workshops, various media publications,and contributions to the MAREC and VCE Fauquier/Rappahannocknewsletter.

Bachelor's Degree in relevant discipline or equivalent skills and experience. Demonstrated experience in extension and outreach tofarmers, landowners, and others involved in agriculture. Ability tolead research teams and oversee project schedules, budgets, and deliverables. Demonstrated strong writing and organizational skills. Strong understanding of crop scouting, demonstration plots,on-farm evaluations, forage and commercial horticulture systemsscience and practices needed to design, analyze, and interpret work. Proficiency in data processing and analysis.

Must have avalid driver’s license. On farm experience with care and management of row crops, forages, and/or livestock production systems. Must beable to lift 50 pounds. Demonstrated ability to operateagricultural equipment, or aptitude to learn.

Housing is available. Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Demonstrated experience with forage and livestock research methods.

4

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

$45,000 - $55,000

40

August 26, 2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver'slicense check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

The successful…