Research Farm and Operations Assistant Manager

Research Farm and Operations Assistant Manager

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, 24061

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

This position provides primary support for the Research Farm and Operations Manager of the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center (Tidewater AREC) and other sites as directed.

Responsibilities include providing support for the farming operations and general maintenance at the Tidewater AREC as directed by the Research Farm and Operations Manager as required to achieve the research and Extension mission of the Tidewater AREC.

This includes maintenance of land, equipment and infrastructure, routine groundskeeping, procurement of agricultural and related supplies, record keeping and required reporting as necessary for research and regulatory requirements.

This position may carry and use a firearm as part of the daily responsibilities for wildlife control.

This individual will also be responsible for land preparation, planting, maintenance, experimental treatment applications, harvesting and collection and processing of data.

This person may also supervise part-time employees.

This individual will assist in preparation and facilitation of Extension-sponsored meetings and field tours.

The Research Farm and Operations Assistant Manager reports administratively to the Tidewater AREC Research Farm and Operations Manager, and the Director of the Tidewater AREC.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma.
• Computer skills necessary for record keeping and data management.
• Must have a valid Virginia driver's license and good driving record.
• Must have or make progress towards obtaining a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License Category 10 (Demonstration and Research) within six months of employment.
• Must have or make progress towards obtaining within six months of employment a commercial driver's license with a Class A endorsement and a DOT medical certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with agricultural field research techniques.
• Working knowledge of agricultural production practices and ability to operate farm machinery safely and effectively including tractors, tillage implements, sprayers, and harvesting equipment.
• Ability to operate a zero-turn lawn mower and other equipment for grounds maintenance.

Pay Band 3

Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type Regular

Salary Information Commensurate with experience

Hours per week 40

Review Date May 4, 2026; open until filled

Additional Information

• Must be able to lift 100 pounds to waist.
• Must have a criminal background check.
• Must have a driver's license check.
• Must have or make progress towards obtaining a Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License Category 10 (Demonstration and Research) within six months of employment.
• Must have or make progress towards obtaining within six months of employment a valid CDL license with Class A endorsement (air brake requirement).
• Must possess and maintain a DOT medical certification.
• Must complete a pre-employment drug screening and are subject to random testing.
• Seasonally dependent, this job may require working more than 8 hours a day, or occasional weekend work.

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