Plant System Technician

Title: Plant System Technician

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist II

Hiring Range: up to $55,000.00

Pay Band: 2

Agency: Virginia State University

Location: VSU/Coop Ext & Agri Res Sta

Agency Website: www.VSU.edu

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

This position will serve as an Plant Systems Technician and, along with the other members of the Plant Systems
Support Unit, will assist in conducting research/demonstration and assist with on- farm trials/demos of the Plant
Systems Program. This includes, but not limited to, conduct research, outreach and maintenance of plots. These
activities are carried out as instructed by and in coordination with the Plant Systems Manager.

Minimum Qualifications

This successful candidate should have comprehension and understanding of research and outreach programs, developing
associated on-farm demonstrations and providing trainings, field walks, or guided demonstration in greenhouses and other
facilities. Knowledge of farming operations, understand principles of sustainable agriculture and food production, and
comfortable working closely with planting systems. Additionally, the incumbent also requires:

Ability to work with others in a team environment.

Skills in establishing and maintaining close working relationships with a broad variety of individuals, industry groups,
stakeholders, and organizations.

Ability to manage multiple large/small-scale task and projects.

Ability to develop, market, and promote program goals and objectives.

Ability to use computers and software packages (MS OFFICE, SharePoint, etc.) to assist in tracking inventories and
supplies as well as creating reports, presentations, and budgets.

Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of agriculture safety guidelines, university regulations, and state and
federal policies.

Demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills and be adept at tactfully managing
shifts in priorities and projects.

Punctual skills, being task orientated, and attentive to detail.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and perform work under limited supervision.

Have or able to obtain a Virginia Pesticide Applicator Certification as Commercial Applicator Category 10 or Registered Technician.



The standard work hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday-Friday; must be able to have flexibility in working hours, for
occasional weekend/holiday work, and events/workshops outside of normal work hours; overnight travel/while attending
conferences, workshops, trainings and visits to off-farm sites. Due to nature of position occasional nights, weekends,
and emergency work situations.

Travel required - Meetings/Conferences and farm visits/tours.

Evening/night/weekend work- Required occasionally for scheduled trainings.

Working indoors/outdoors in greenhouse or in agricultural production fields.

Climate controlled environment, temperature could vary depending on worksite.


Physical requirements:

The physical requirements of the job will require standing and sitting for periods of time, lifting minimum and heavy
objects, transporting handheld, backpack, and other types of equipment, and while performing some repetitive tasks,
and so forth

Additional Considerations

Have or be able to obtain a CDL - Preferred

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY: Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (PageUp). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested persons must attach a cover letter and a current resume/c.v to the online application. Official transcripts will be required at the time of employment.

The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.

Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx , or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Contact Information

Name: Dominique M. Fisher

Phone: 804-524-5075

Email: dfisher@vsu.edu

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.