Laboratory and Research Specialist II

About the role

This position is located at the Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester, Virginia. The role requires knowledge of a wide range of field operations and some laboratory analytical methods to support viticulture and grape pathology programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for viticulture and grape pathology research and extension programs.
• Perform seasonal maintenance such as dormant pruning, summer growth management, crop load management, and pest, disease, and weed management of grapevines.
• Support other faculty labs, including enology, entomology, horticulture, and tree fruit pathology crops related to ongoing projects.
• Select experimental units, establish field plots, initiate experiments, apply registered and experimental pesticides and growth regulators.
• Collect, record, tabulate, and analyze data, and compile MS Word and Excel files.
• Coordinate labor, time, and tasks with supervisors, students, and other staff members for time-sensitive tasks such as canopy management, treatment applications, and data collection.
• Occasionally assist with other disciplines’ projects and contribute to Center maintenance.
• Supervise wage employees or work in tandem with other classified staff and graduate students in a team environment.
• Work at remote locations as required.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in horticulture, plant science, or a related science field, or practical training and experience in fruit production or a similar horticultural field.
• Familiarity with common viticultural field and laboratory techniques.
• Knowledge of the safe use of laboratory and field equipment.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Pesticide certification as a registered technician or commercial applicator and Category 10 completed within 6 months of hiring.
• Competency with or willingness to learn farm machinery, including safe operation of up to 75hp tractors, airblast sprayers, pesticide application, and brush chopper/mowers.
• Safe driving record and acceptable conviction checks.
• Verbal and writing skills to enable competent communication, reporting, and supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and supervise oneself, other staff, and physical resources, especially in vineyards or field research settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work on weekends or beyond regular work hours as needed.
• Commercial pesticide applicator training and certification, as well as additional safety training, will be required within the first year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• VA commercial pesticide license and obtain Cat. 10 within 6 months of hire.
• Working knowledge of and hands-on experience with apple, peach, cherry, grape, and other fruit and ornamental crop production practices.
• Experience with plant physiology measurements (e.g., water potential, canopy density, yield estimation, and harvest parameters).
• Familiarity with field research settings.
• Familiarity with the PC/Windows operating system and MS Office suite (Word and Excel).
• Willingness to learn and adopt new technologies and skills for research and daily task management.
• MS degree in horticulture or a related plant science field (or 2 years related field/lab experience).
• Experience with common laboratory equipment, such as electronic scales, pH meters, and pipets, and safe handling of laboratory chemicals.

Benefits

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.

Pay

$46,000 - $56,000; commensurate with experience.

Schedule

• 40 hours per week.
• 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work and earlier arrival/later leaving to accommodate project needs or weather conditions.
• Requires mandatory 30-minute lunch break.
• Overtime Status: Exempt (not eligible for overtime).

Additional Information

• Walking, standing, reaching, grasping, and ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Must independently conduct remote operations.
• The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.