Extension and Research Technician

About the role

The Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MAREC) is situated in the heart of Virginia’s northern piedmont and is one of Virginia Tech’s 11 ARECs. Philanthropist Paul Mellon donated the 420-acre farm to Virginia Tech in 1949 to foster research that improved pasture and animal productivity while enhancing the land. The Middleburg AREC continues to play a critical role in the missions of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Support applied research, Extension programming and producer education
• Serve as a bridge between AREC Faculty, Extension Agents, and local agricultural producers
• Assist with crop scouting, demonstration plots, on-farm evaluations, and outreach activities supporting row crop, forage and commercial horticulture systems
• Initiate, lead, and manage various research and demonstration projects
• Interpret and share knowledge of sustainable agronomic, commercial horticulture and forage production systems with Virginia producers through partnerships with Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and specialists, industry personnel and technical service providers, and industry organizations
• Communicate knowledge through farm visits, field events, workshops, various media publications, and contributions to the MAREC and VCE Fauquier/Rappahannock newsletter

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant discipline or equivalent skills and experience
• 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 crop scouting, demonstration plots, on-farm evaluations, forage and commercial horticulture systems science and practices needed to design, analyze, and interpret work
• Proficiency in data processing and analysis
• Valid driver’s license
• On farm experience with care and management of row crops, forages, and/or livestock production systems
• Able to lift 50 pounds
• Aptitude to learn to operate agricultural equipment

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience
• Experience in extension and outreach to farmers
• Leadership and project management skills
• Writing and organizational skills
• Understanding of agronomic, commercial horticulture, and forage production systems
• Data processing and analysis skills
• Valid driver’s license
• On farm experience with row crops, forages, and livestock
• Able to lift 50 pounds
• Equipment operation proficiency or aptitude

Skills

• Research and project management
• Extension and outreach
• Data analysis
• Communication and collaboration
• Agronomic and horticultural knowledge
• Equipment operation

Benefits

Housing is available.

Pay

$45,000 - $55,000

Schedule

40 hours per week