Extension and Research Technician

Job Description

The Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MAREC) is situated in the heart of Virginias northern piedmont and is one of Virginia Techs 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 Techs College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The mission of the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center is to serve Virginias agricultural and equine industries through state-of-the-art research-based education scientific discovery applied science youth engagement and community support.

The Middleburg AREC along with Virginia Tech faculty and Virginia Cooperative Extension Agents facilitate; graduate research education/projects undergraduate hands-on learning activities and community education experiences throughout the year. The Center provides an immersive learning environment designed for students of all ages with a passion for Animal Science Veterinary Medicine Plant and Environmental Science Wildlife Biology Land Stewardship Ag Technology and more. With help from community partners industry professionals and local educational institutions; The AREC helps todays beginners become tomorrows leaders.

As an extension and research technician the successful applicant will be responsible for supporting applied research Extension programming and producer education. This field-based position will serve as a bridge between AREC Faculty Extension Agents and local agricultural producers. The technician will assist with crop scouting demonstration plots on-farm evaluations and outreach activities supporting row crop forage and commercial horticulture systems.

Under the direction supervision and guidance from the MARE Center Director and VCE-Fauquier Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent/Unit Coordinator the applicant will initiate lead and manage various research and demonstration projects. The successful applicant will assist with new and existing projects and participate in teams to develop new extension programming and disseminate the results from this work broadly in the agricultural science and farm communities. The successful applicant will 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. Means of communication will include farm visits field events workshops various media publications and contributions to the MAREC and VCE Fauquier/Rappahannock newsletter.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors 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. Must have a valid drivers license. On farm experience with care and management of row crops forages and/or livestock production systems. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Demonstrated ability to operate agricultural equipment or aptitude to learn.

Housing is available. Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience with forage and livestock research methods.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$45000 - $55000

Hours per week

40

Close Date

August 26 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a drivers license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.

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

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its mottoUt Prosim(That I May Serve) Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world Virginia Tech is aninclusive communitydedicated to knowledge discovery and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36000 undergraduate graduate and professional students in eightundergraduate colleges aschool of medicine aveterinary medicinecollegeGraduate School andHonors College.The university has a significant presence across Virginia including Blacksburg the greater Washington D.C. area the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke sites in Newport News and Richmond and numerousExtension officesandresearch institutes.A leading global research institution Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.