The Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SPAREC) and the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech are seeking an agricultural specialist (hired as an Agricultural Specialist III) to develop native grassland plant seed production on public and private lands as part of a research and extension program aiming to improve the commercial availability of native grassland plant seeds, build the economic knowledge base for native seed production, and train new conservation leaders. This is a one-year full-time position will be based in Blackstone, Virginia, and the job will involve traveling to collect seed, process seed, and work with private landowners, among others. The primary responsibilities will include collecting, conditioning, and transporting native grassland seed; establishing and maintaining seed production plots at SPAREC; collecting ecological data in field and/or lab settings; assisting seed producers with field establishment, harvest, and technical needs, as needed, with planting, maintaining, and harvesting other crops at SPAREC. This is a restricted position with a starting date is April 10, 2026 ending December 31,2026 (9 months).

• Experience with agricultural production, particularly with row crops
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to challenges
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors for extended periods of time in varying conditions
• A valid driver’s license

• An associate or bachelor’s degree in agronomy, crop and soil sciences, horticulture, natural resources management, botany, or a related field
• Experience with native plant propagation
• Knowledge of seed collection and processing
• Knowledge of grassland flora of eastern North America
• Experience operating agricultural field equipment

3

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Restricted

$40,000 - $45,000; commensurate with years of experience

40 M-F 7:30-4:30

March 27, 2026; 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 Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.