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 under the direction, supervision and guidance from the MARE Center Director and VCE-Fauquier Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent/Unit Coordinator.
• 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

• Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in relevant discipline or equivalent skills and experience.
• Preferred Qualifications: Demonstrated experience with forage and livestock research methods.

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.
• Ability to lead research teams and oversee project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Strong writing and organizational skills.
• 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.

Benefits

Housing is available.

Pay

$45,000 - $55,000

Schedule

40 hours per week