Job Description

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (http://spes.vt.edu) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Virginia Tech is inviting applications for an Agriculture Specialist IV position (12- month CY) located in Blacksburg, VA. The incumbent will report to the Manager of Kentland Farm for their primary responsibilities in managing the facilities of Homefield Farm, and growing crops for use by Virginia Tech Dining Services. The incumbent will work through the Dining Sustainability Manager to create usable planting plans that will serve the dining center's needs.
Homefield Farm at Virginia Tech is a 12-acre organic farm which is a cooperative partnership between CALS and Virginia Tech Dining Services (https://dining.vt.edu/sustainability/homefieldfarm.html). In managing Homefield Farm, the incumbent will be responsible for planning, working within an allocated budget, crop production, harvesting, management and coordination of personnel and students/volunteers working at the farm. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining records in accordance with Organic and GAP certifications; and coordinating communications between Homefield Farm, Kentland Farm, CALS and Dining Services. The incumbent will also coordinate with faculty in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) in potentially conducting extension or research activities at Homefield Farm. Annually, the incumbent will be responsible for the creation of the annual farm report for distribution to stakeholders.
Occasionally, the incumbent will be asked to lead tours at Homefield farm in collaboration with SPES, Dining Services or the community,

Required Qualifications

Extensive experience with vegetable crop production in field and/or high tunnel systems; Strong communication and interpersonal skills; Excellent record-keeping and organization skills; Experience operating tractors and tractor-drawn equipment with particular attention to tractor safety; A commitment to diversity and inclusion. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Virginia Tech and in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. Successful candidates for our positions will demonstrate evidence of a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

B.S. in horticulture, agronomy or closely aligned field; Experience working with organic crop management; Budget management experience.

Pay Band

4

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

46,000 - 54,000

Review Date

11/12/2023

Additional Information

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 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 , a , a college, , and . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous and . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.