Entry Level Soil Testing Lab Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Soil Analyst
Job no: 536715
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: School of Plant & Environmental Sci
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science
Job Description
Performs daily analytical and clerical tasks of the Soil Testing Laboratory that annually receives over 50,000 samples. The laboratory's test results are used to help educate farmers, agribusiness personnel and homeowners about the efficient, economical and environmental use of our fertilizer and soil resources. Responsible for sample preparation by unpacking, setting up, drying, grinding and sieving samples. Perform chemical extraction of soil samples for nutrient analysis. Operate ICPAES instrument for elemental analysis on soil sample extracts. Monitor analytical quality of ICP data, upload data files. Assist ICP Spectroscopist with research solution samples as directed by the Lab Manager.Follow University funds handling protocol and lab procedures to receive payments for lab work, write receipts; log and tally checks and cash for daily direct bank deposit, verifying total amount. Independently organize and carry out the invoicing to external clients. Itemize dollar amounts to be billed to companies for soil tests performed on credit, Process corrections using A/R adjustment forms; process Interdepartmental Service Requests. Perform repetitive tasks in a timely manner with accuracy. Department is unable to support work visas.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent training and experience; Demonstrated knowledge and work experience with general laboratory equipment, computers, reagents, procedures and analytical techniques; Ability to perform rapid, accurate, reproducible work with occasional interruptions while following complex instructions; Experience providing excellent customer service; Data entry experience entering information quickly and accurately; Experience in independently performing basic troubleshooting steps to identify and solve fundamental issues; Ability to repeatedly lift & carry up to 30 lbs over short distances & above head level, climb stairs several times per day, work in environments using appropriate protective gear for high levels of soil dust and noise, strong acids & odors, and adjacent to radio frequency electrical generators.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in the sciences; Experience with soil pH, atomic spectroscopy (especially ICP-AES); Experience with data entry, funds handling and with MS Windows, Word, and Excel
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
40,000-55,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
07/03/2026
Additional Information
Must be able to repeatedly lift & carry up to 30 lbs. over short distances & above head level, and to climb a flight of stairs several times per day, and to work in environments of high soil dust, high noise, with strong acids & odors, and adjacent to radio frequency electrical generators. Work schedule M-F, 7:30-4:00 with 1/2 hour for lunch
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 Courtney McCombs at cdundas@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: June 15, 2026
Applications close:
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