Agricultural Specialist III - Restricted

The Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SPAREC) and the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech are seeking a native plant seed propagation specialist (hired as an Agricultural Specialist III) to develop native grassland plant seed production on public and private lands as part of a three-year 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 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; interacting with stakeholders during field days; collecting ecological data in field and/or lab settings; assisting seed producers with field establishment, harvest, and technical needs, and, as needed, with planting, maintaining, and harvesting other crops (e.g., soybean, tobacco, and cereals) at SPAREC. Starting date is May 1, 2025.
* The USDA defines ‘historically underserved’ farmers or ranchers as those who are beginning, socially disadvantaged, veterans, or limited resource.

• 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

• A 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
• Proficiency in Spanish

3

Restricted

$38,000 - $44,000; commensurate with experience

March 7, 2025

Must be able to lift 50+ pounds.|Must be able to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, reach, grasp and perform repetitive tasks with hands.| Must be able to work outside in adverse weather (cold and hot) conditions. Must have a criminal background check | Must have a driver's license check | Other (Describe Below) | Must have an acceptable and safe driving record | This is an offcampus position located at the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC), located in Blackstone, VA. Employee may be required occasionally to work beyond normal work schedule and may be required to occasionally travel within the state to perform necessary tasks at offsite locations.

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

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