Description

Job Description

This position will support research and extension programs in the areas of small fruit (strawberry, blackberry, blueberry etc.) and greenhouse production at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach, VA.
The prospective candidate will assist with set up, oversee research experiments in the field (small fruit and greenhouse production), as well as laboratory-based experiments and data collection. The candidate will assist with (1) measuring different aspects of plant growth, crop care including plant establishment, fertigation, winter crop protection, plant and fruit harvest and plant pruning (40%) (2) treatment and pesticide applications (10%), (3) data collection in the field and controlled environment (30%) (4) maintain laboratory inventory and potential pest cultures (10%) (5) assist faculty with outreach activities such as presentations and field day materials (10%).
This position is tailored for applicants with a passion and interest in horticulture or environmental science, providing the opportunity to strengthen their experience in both research and field work. The position requires both independent work and close collaboration with faculty, staff, students, and industry partners.

Required Qualifications

-B.S. or appropriate experience in horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, agronomy, or related field
-Able to lift 50 lb.
-Capable of working long hours outdoors
-Able to work some weekends
-Maintaining Virginia Driver's license
-Proficient in Microsoft suite
-Willing and able to apply pesticides and obtain a Virginia Pesticide Applicators License soon after hiring.

Preferred Qualifications

-M.S. degree in horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, agronomy, or related field
-Experience working in open-field fruit production, greenhouses, nurseries, or with row crops
-Research experience
-Experience working with pesticide application and irrigation systems
-Experience managing personnel including students, interns, or wage employees

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$35,000 - $46,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

November 3, 2025

Additional Information

All applicants should submit a cover letter and resume when applying for this position.

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

About Virginia Tech

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.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Jayesh Samtani at jsamtani@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: October 3, 2025
Applications close: