No Experience Sheep Farm Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) and Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES) at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) is seeking a Superintendent for the Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SVAREC). The SVAREC is located about 65 miles north of Roanoke near the town of Steeles Tavern. Formally known as the McCormick Farm, the site was the home of Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the grain reaper. The SVAREC primarily supports research and extension programs in beef cattle production and reproduction, forages, sheep, and forestry. In addition, the Virginia Sheep Producers Association Performance Ram Lamb test is conducted annually at the AREC. The center has 3 fulltime employees and 1 part time in addition to the superintendent. These and additional center programs are key sources of information locally and statewide for progressive beef, sheep, forage and forest producers. At least 12 other faculty from other Virginia Tech units conduct cooperative research at SVAREC. The Center comprises approximately 878 acres of land (plus additional leases) plus livestock facilities. For more information about the SVAREC, visit the website, https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/shenandoahvalley.html

The superintendent is the administrative head of the SVAREC. The primary responsibility of the superintendent is to provide leadership and support for excellent in integrated research and Extension programs critical to profitability and sustainability of beef, sheep, forages, and forests and related agricultural programs in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Superintendent will be responsible for all aspects of Center operations including providing leadership for conducting research and extension programs as well as being actively involved in the planning and day to day conduct of research and Extension projects. Specific responsibilities include: preparation and management of budgets; facilities management and coordination; daily management, evaluation, and recruitment and supervision of staff; liaison with college and VAES administration and faculty; and promotion of program with local leaders and government agencies. The position is responsible for public relations and visibility of center programs. The superintendent will work closely with faculty from campus and other ARECs to develop strategic plans and execute protocols for research and extension programs at the center, schedule and discuss work priorities with the staff on a regular basis, and physically assist with projects, management of herds, facilities, and grounds, and maintenance. The Superintendent is also responsible for managing the historic McCormick Farm site, protecting its status as an historic site, facilitating tours as requested, overseeing the McCormick Memorial Plot, grounds, and buildings, and hosting the annual McCormick Farm Mill Day.

May carry and use a firearm as part of daily responsibilities for wildlife control.

• Master's degree animal science, agronomy, or a closely related discipline
• Agricultural research experience
• Evidence of strong professional leadership, communication, interpersonal and administrative skills
• Farm business management experience; experience in ruminant animal production, reproduction, forage utilization and management, including operation of farm equipment and livestock management.
• Physically able and willing to perform manual labor
• Administrative experience with personnel and fiscal management
• Strong commitment to applied research, extension programming, and longterm sustainability of agriculture
• Skilled in computer software programs (Microsoft, others) for management and communications
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (oral, written) with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds within the university, industry, and public sectors.
• Willingness to work with the McCormick museum in interpreting the McCormick story.

• Capacity for implementing technology applications such as precision agriculture and other technologies appropriate for advancing applied research and Extension programming.
• Familiarity working with Extension, academia, and/or a farm-based research facility.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Regular

$95,000 - $105,000; commensurate with experience

40 hours per week

September 20, 2026

All applicants will need to upload a vision statement, CV, references and a statement describing your understanding of the land grant mission and how you would support it in this position.

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

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 Scott Greinerat sgreiner@vt.eduduring regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.