What are the responsibilities and job description for the Agricultural Specialist and Manager position at Virginia Tech?
Job Description
This position supports research, teaching, and extension programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences by supervising and performing precision field tasks and experimental plot activities, as well as operating sophisticated agricultural equipment with a very proficient skill level.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of training and experience; Experience in the operation and repair of agricultural tractors and machinery; Experience in a variety of welding (electric/arc, oxyacetylene cutting, MIG, etc.); Experience in some phase of agricultural or livestock production, equipment operation and repair; Ability to operate large, complex agricultural and research equipment; Successfully follow and implement written experimental and crop production field plans; Comprehend and carry out complex instructions; Read, understand, and adjust computerized tractor and equipment settings; Calibrate sprayers, adjust planting and harvesting equipment precisely; Maintain accurate records and follow data collection procedures; Read and understand service, parts, and operator manuals; Operate gas and electric welders, perform carpentry and plumbing tasks, and perform a wide variety of equipment repairs; Familiarity with the navigation of basic Microsoft Office programs; Ability to work with livestock units such as feeding livestock, herd health, transporting livestock, and working livestock; Must have a valid CDL with any required endorsements within six (6) months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Valid CDL with any required endorsements;
Use of tools and trade skills in the following: plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and electrical;
Experience in building and maintaining permanent farm fencing;
Experience in installing and maintaining water lines.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
50,000 - 55,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
07/24/2026
Additional Information
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 Mr. Chad Joines at cjoines@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
This position supports research, teaching, and extension programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences by supervising and performing precision field tasks and experimental plot activities, as well as operating sophisticated agricultural equipment with a very proficient skill level.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent years of training and experience; Experience in the operation and repair of agricultural tractors and machinery; Experience in a variety of welding (electric/arc, oxyacetylene cutting, MIG, etc.); Experience in some phase of agricultural or livestock production, equipment operation and repair; Ability to operate large, complex agricultural and research equipment; Successfully follow and implement written experimental and crop production field plans; Comprehend and carry out complex instructions; Read, understand, and adjust computerized tractor and equipment settings; Calibrate sprayers, adjust planting and harvesting equipment precisely; Maintain accurate records and follow data collection procedures; Read and understand service, parts, and operator manuals; Operate gas and electric welders, perform carpentry and plumbing tasks, and perform a wide variety of equipment repairs; Familiarity with the navigation of basic Microsoft Office programs; Ability to work with livestock units such as feeding livestock, herd health, transporting livestock, and working livestock; Must have a valid CDL with any required endorsements within six (6) months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Valid CDL with any required endorsements;
Use of tools and trade skills in the following: plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and electrical;
Experience in building and maintaining permanent farm fencing;
Experience in installing and maintaining water lines.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
50,000 - 55,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
07/24/2026
Additional Information
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 Mr. Chad Joines at cjoines@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.