Careers at Virginia Tech

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) is recruiting to hire a field manager of wheat and barley breeding trials and research projects. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvest of research nurseries; Collection of agronomic data; Weigh, analyze, clean, package, ship and inventory seed stocks; Application of agrichemicals such as fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides and herbicides; Maintenance and operation of farm and research equipment and an irrigation system; Developing disease inoculum in the lab and assisting with greenhouse projects and general maintenance; Maintaining and ordering field supplies; Providing technical support and training to other personnel and students conducting research in the program; Working with project leader and other program members in formulating and implementing effective and efficient work plans for conducting research to meet the needs and missions of the research program; Recognizing and prioritizing research needs, working cooperatively with other team members, and directing and instructing others on proper means and methods for accurately and safely meeting the research tasks and objectives.

B.S. degree in crop sciences or related area or equivalent training and experience in crop production, farm management, and field research techniques; Experience with farm machinery operation and general maintenance; Experience in use and application of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides; Experience with data collection and use of basic computer programs such as spreadsheets; Experience operating a UAV or willingness to learn and operate one; Virginia Drivers License required. Must have or be able to obtain (within a reasonable amount of time to be determined between supervisor and employee) a Category 10 Pesticide Certification. Must have or be able to obtain (within a reasonable amount of time determined between supervisor and employee) a FAA UAV Certification. Must work cooperatively and communicate with other project members following a team approach model. Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends, in Blacksburg and at Research and Extension Centers located in eastern Virginia during critical periods, including crossing, planting and harvest seasons, and to perform strenuous work under adverse environmental conditions.

Farming background or training and experience working with field crops particularly wheat and barley is preferred. Preference for current knowledge or having the capability and interest to learn and apply new skills related to: crop management, plant breeding, variety development and testing; plant disease identification, assessment and control; seed handling, processing, and chemical treatment techniques; collection, maintenance, and dissemination of accurate and reproducible data and records.

4

Restricted

$50,000 to $60,000

01/17/2025 (open until filled)

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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