Chesterfield County, located just outside Richmond, Virginia, is home to more than 340,000 residents and maintains over 20,000 acres of farmland and forest production. The Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources, provides current, research-based education to strengthen agricultural sustainability, environmental stewardship, and urban food system resilience within the county.
This position places a strong emphasis on applied education and workforce development through the Chesterfield Extension Plant Lab, which serves as a central hub for community education, youth workforce preparation, and hands-on agricultural learning. The agent will oversee plant lab operations, integrate the facility into Extension programming, and develop school-based apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities in partnership with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and local schools.
The agent builds relationships with agri-businesses, community leaders, and local, state, and federal partners to address agricultural and natural resource challenges. Educational programming focuses on soil and water conservation, urban nutrient management, Chesapeake Bay protection, urban agriculture, climate-smart practices, and pollinator health.
The ANR Agent also contributes to community preparedness, agricultural disaster response, and urban economic development initiatives that strengthen local food systems and environmental resilience.

Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in agriculture, agronomy, horticulture, natural resources, biology, environmental science, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs.
Experience working with volunteers, youth, or community-based audiences.
Strong communication and presentation skills with ability to engage broad audiences.
Demonstrated ability to use technology for educational programming and program management.
Ability to work independently while contributing to team-based initiatives.
Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to client success.
The person in the position is expected to travel to provide in-person leadership and to build community partnerships with few exceptions for telework.

Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Background in plant pathology or plant diagnostics.
Master’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, or related field (required within six years if hired with a bachelor’s degree).
Experience in Cooperative Extension or community outreach education.
Familiarity with Virginia agricultural and local food systems.
Experience managing an applied learning or plant production facility.
Experience supervising youth interns or workforce training programs.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

$50,000 - $65,000

Varies

May 8, 2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

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.

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