Research Associate

The Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SVAREC) is located about 65 miles north of Roanoke near the town of Steeles Tavern. Formally known as the McCormick Farm, the site was the home of Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the grain reaper. The SVAREC supports research and extension programs in beef cattle, forage, sheep, and forestry production. In addition, the Virginia Sheep Producers Association Performance Ram Lamb test is conducted annually at the AREC. Center programs are key sources of information locally and statewide for progressive beef, sheep, forage, and forest producers. The Center comprises approximately 878 acres of land (plus additional leases) plus livestock facilities. For more information about the SVAREC, visit the website, https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/shenandoah-valley.html.

As a research associate, the successful applicant will be responsible for developing and implementing research and extension projects on the productivity and environmental impacts of forage-based livestock production systems. The goal for this position is to improve the sustainability of forage-livestock production systems in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region through knowledge creation, integration, and sharing. Potential projects will take place at the SVAREC and at farm locations across Virginia. Through this position, the SVAREC will research and develop additional practices for grazing systems that have the potential to improve the sustainability of forage-based livestock production systems. These practices will include utilizing biosolids for fertilization, reducing the impacts of tall fescue toxicosis, enhancing grazing utilization, improving water quality, and sequestering carbon on-farm.

The successful applicant will develop extension and outreach programming to disseminate the results from this work broadly in the agricultural science and farm communities. The successful applicant will interpret and share knowledge of sustainable livestock production systems with Virginia producers through partnerships with Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and specialists, industry personnel and technical service providers, and industry organizations. Means of communication will include farm visits, field events, workshops, various media publications, and contributions to the SVAREC newsletter.

M.S. degree in agronomy, animal science, or related discipline. Demonstrated experience with forage and livestock research methods. Demonstrated experience in extension and outreach to farmers, landowners, and others involved in agriculture. Ability to lead research teams and oversee project schedules, budgets, and deliverables. Demonstrated strong writing and organizational skills. Strong understanding of forage-livestock science and practices needed to design, analyze, and interpret work. Proficient in data processing and analysis. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

Demonstrated ability to operate agricultural equipment.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

$55,000 - $60,000; commensurate with experience

40 hours a week; Monday through Friday; some weekend and holiday work may be required.

July 18, 2025

Please include a letter of interest as part of the application documents.

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 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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