Research Specialist Sr.

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.