Careers at Virginia Tech

The Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics invites applications for a postdoc position to develop and provide annual estimate of land use values of open space for all jurisdictions utilizing land use-value assessment estimates. Duties include, but are not limited to: development of computational methods, maintenance of current models and data sets, identifying and testing alternative data sources, maintaining detailed design specification and written documentation for existing models, being responsible for the development of new computational methods and work with programmers to incorporate these methods into models based on systematic testing and validation relative to current and historical data. This position will work closely with Virginia’s Land Use-Value Assessment Program Director and Analyst, contribute to the annual development of agricultural and horticultural values, and design and present stakeholder programming and education. Strong written, oral, and electronic communication skills are essential.

Specific responsibilities include working with faculty members in a team setting to accomplish the following: 1) Developing and publishing methods and procedures for the valuation of open space lands; 2) Writing statutorily required and other annual reports; 3) Conducting research and conceptualizing appropriate methods and materials to improve the validity and reliability of the developed estimates; 4) Developing and maintaining models for calculating use-value assessment estimates; 5) Maintaining content on the Virginia's Use-Value Assessment Program's website (http://luva.aaec.vt.edu); 6) Conducting research projects, such as the assessment of the fiscal impact of alternative taxing scenarios or assessment of the economic consequences and implications of alternative methods of calculating use-value assessments; 7) Annually develop and publish cost of production budgets for major agricultural and horticultural enterprises; 8) Presenting annual estimates at public hearings before the State Land Evaluation and Advisory Council (SLEAC); and 9) Conducting educational programs for VCE and other organizations and government agencies such as local Farm Bureau groups, County Boards of Supervisors, Chambers of Commerce, and other interested parties.

PhD in Natural Resource Economics or similar field awarded no more than five years prior to the effective date of the appointment with a minimum of one year of eligibility remaining; Experience in collecting, managing, processing, and analyzing large datasets; Outstanding database management and analytics skills, including proficiency in MS Excel, Oracle, SAS, Adobe, PowerPoint or other relevant programs; Excellent oral and written skills; Demonstrated experience delivering financial education to stakeholders.

Proficient in techniques used to measure the value of local public goods and amenities (e.g., recreational facilities/fields, public parks); Familiarity with conservation easements and related lands such floodways, wetlands, riparian buffers; Direct experience with natural resources and land use issues.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

53,550-65,029

40; M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

08/22/2025

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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