Agriculture Specialist Manager
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT), Blacksburg, VA, United States
Job Description
The Urban Horticulture Center (UHC) in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences is a thriving learning environment providing ideal spaces for various teaching, research and outreach programs at Virginia Tech. Research and Academic programs optimize the space for experimentation and instruction in soil science, application and analysis of pesticides in urban and agricultural environments, essential principles for agriculture and green sectors, and for community engagement opportunities. The Agriculture Specialist Manager independently manages the Urban Horticulture Center (UHC). The manager provides oversight and support to instructors, researchers, program directors, faculty, and students in preparing and planting various beds, field, plots, greenhouses, and other spaces throughout the property. The manager provides logistical support when needed for outreach and community engagement programs and performs safe pesticide spraying treatment. The Center manager hires, trains and supervises technical staff to assist in the daily schedule of maintenance duties. The manager and delegated staff check locks and store keys safely to protect office equipment, machinery, and property. The manager conducts inspections and either performs or schedules maintenance to keep farm machinery, hand‑held mechanical devices, sprayers, etc. in safe working order. The UHC manager maintains electronic records for inventory of equipment, machinery, chemicals, tools, and supplies. The manager determines when to replace, repair, and surplus items, and procures necessary items in a timely manner. The manager develops and manages operational budget to cover the Center’s expenses including payroll, supplies, utilities, fuel, associated labor costs, maintenance of buildings and grounds, and equipment. The manager stays current and in compliance with Office of Environmental Health and Safety training and protocol; schedules and is present for site visits by Health and Safety officer for testing, hazard assessments, and updates to manuals. Maintains ECP, PPE, and EAP plans. Maintains First Aid and emergency supplies. Provides thorough training in safe methods in use of equipment and facilities to UG, GR, staff, visitors, researchers, directors, faculty, instructors, etc. The UHC Manager and the SPES Director coordinate potential development plans for future expansion projects and/or optimization of UHC property.
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Plant Science or related discipline or equivalent demonstrated university-level training and work experience with horticultural or agricultural operations in research setting; Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining specialized agricultural equipment safely and effectively, including mowers, sprayers, tillers, and related equipment; Must have or obtain within one year of hire a Va. Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License in Category 10, forklift operator training; Familiarity with irrigation system installation, troubleshooting and maintenance.
Preferred Qualifications Master's degree
Pay Band 4
Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type Regular
Salary Information 43,000-53,000
Hours per week 40
Review Date 03/27/2026
Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut 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 an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors 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 numerous Extension offices and research 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.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Rory Maguire at rmaguire@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Plant Science or related discipline or equivalent demonstrated university-level training and work experience with horticultural or agricultural operations in research setting; Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining specialized agricultural equipment safely and effectively, including mowers, sprayers, tillers, and related equipment; Must have or obtain within one year of hire a Va. Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License in Category 10, forklift operator training; Familiarity with irrigation system installation, troubleshooting and maintenance.
Preferred Qualifications Master's degree
Pay Band 4
Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type Regular
Salary Information 43,000-53,000
Hours per week 40
Review Date 03/27/2026
Additional Information The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech Dedicated to its motto, Ut 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 an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors 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 numerous Extension offices and research 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.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Rory Maguire at rmaguire@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
#J-18808-Ljbffr