The Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SPAREC) and the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech are seeking a native plant seed propagation specialist (hired as an Agricultural Specialist III) to develop native grassland plant seed production on public and private lands as part of a three-year research and extension program aiming to improve the commercial availability of native grassland plant seeds, build the economic knowledge base for native seed production, and train new conservation leaders. This full-time position will be based in Blackstone, Virginia, and the job will involve traveling to collect seed, process seed, and work with private landowners, among others. The primary responsibilities will include collecting, conditioning, and transporting native grassland seed; establishing and maintaining seed production plots at SPAREC; interacting with stakeholders during field days; collecting ecological data in field and/or lab settings; assisting seed producers with field establishment, harvest, and technical needs, and, as needed, with planting, maintaining, and harvesting other crops (e.g., soybean, tobacco, and cereals) at SPAREC. Starting date is May 1, 2025.
* The USDA defines ‘historically underserved’ farmers or ranchers as those who are beginning, socially disadvantaged, veterans, or limited resource.