Careers at Virginia Tech

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (http://spes.vt.edu) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech is inviting applications for an Agriculture Specialist IV position (12- month CY) located in Blacksburg, VA. The incumbent will report to the Manager of Kentland Farm for their primary responsibilities in managing the facilities of Homefield Farm, and growing crops for use by Virginia Tech Dining Services. The incumbent will work through the direction of the Dining Sustainability Manager to create usable planting plans that will serve the dining center’s needs. Homefield Farm at Virginia Tech is a 12-acre organic farm, which is a cooperative partnership between CALS and Virginia Tech Dining Services (https://dining.vt.edu/sustainability/homefieldfarm.html). In managing Homefield Farm, the incumbent will be responsible for planning, budgeting, crop production, harvesting, management and coordination of personnel and students/volunteers working at the farm. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining Organic and GAP certifications and coordinating communications between Homefield Farm, Kentland Farm, CALS and Dining Services. The incumbent will coordinate with faculty in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) and other departments to conduct extension or research activities at Homefield Farm. Annually, the incumbent will be responsible for the creation of the annual farm report for distribution to stakeholders. The incumbent will be asked to lead tours at Kentland/Homefield farm in collaboration with SPES, Dining Services or the community.

• Experience with crop production
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent record-keeping and organization skills
• Considerable experience in the safe operation of tractors, tractor implements and equipment.
• Experience with irrigation and general farm maintenance
• Experience in employee supervision
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

• B.S. in horticulture, agronomy or closely aligned field
• Extensive experience with vegetable crop production in field
• Experience working with organic crop production or experience with the organic process
• Budget management experience
• Experience in soil health and/or plant health
• Experience with tillage equipment and/or vegetable production equipment
• Experience with research and/or research plots

4

Regular

45,000 – 65,000

09/22/2024

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

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 the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

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