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Rural Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cashier

Norton, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $16/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Bristol, VA · On-site

$9.50 - $13/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Front Royal, VA

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Norton, VA · On-site

$11.75 - $16/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Front Royal, VA · On-site

$10.75 - $14.75/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Bristol, VA

$9.50 - $13/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Radford, VA · On-site

$11.25 - $15.25/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Bristol, VA · On-site

$9.50 - $13/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Bristol, VA

$9.50 - $13/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Martinsville, VA · On-site

$11 - $15/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

Cashier

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$11.50 - $15.50/hr

About us Rural King Farm and Home Store strives to create a positive and rewarding workplace for ... developments. * Provide friendly, proactive, and professional internal and external support to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rural Development information

See Virginia salary details

$40.2K

$83.4K

$159.1K

How much do rural development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for rural development in Virginia is $83,395.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $94,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in rural development projects?

Professionals in rural development often encounter challenges such as limited infrastructure, resource constraints, and difficulties in gaining community trust. Adapting solutions to local needs and effectively collaborating with local stakeholders are crucial for success. Additionally, balancing project goals with sustainable practices and navigating regulatory or funding hurdles are common aspects of the role. Strong communication and adaptability are key to overcoming these challenges and making a positive impact.

What is the difference between Rural Development vs Community Development Officer?

AspectRural DevelopmentCommunity Development Officer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public administration, social sciences, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in social work, community planning, or related fields
Work EnvironmentRural areas, government agencies, non-profitsUrban and rural communities, non-profits, government agencies
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, non-profits focused on rural areasLocal government, non-profits, community organizations

While both roles focus on community improvement, Rural Development primarily targets rural areas with a focus on economic growth and infrastructure, whereas Community Development Officers work across diverse settings to enhance community well-being and social services. Understanding these differences helps job seekers align their skills and interests with the appropriate career path.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Rural Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Rural Development, you need a background in community planning, project management, and a relevant degree such as agriculture, economics, or public administration. Familiarity with data analysis tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and knowledge of grant application processes or certifications in project management are often required. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and effectively address the unique needs of rural communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing and implementing sustainable projects that improve the quality of life in rural areas.

What is rural development?

Rural development refers to initiatives and strategies aimed at improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas, often outside of cities and large towns. This field focuses on enhancing infrastructure, access to basic services such as healthcare and education, agricultural productivity, and employment opportunities. Rural development professionals work with local communities, governments, and organizations to address challenges like poverty, limited resources, and migration to urban centers. Their goal is to create sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits rural populations.
What are popular job titles related to Rural Development jobs in Virginia? For Rural Development jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Rural Development job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,395 per year, or $40.1 per hour.
Postdoctoral Associate - Forest Sector Competitiveness

Postdoctoral Associate - Forest Sector Competitiveness

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 536 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Postdoctoral Associate - Forest Sector Competitiveness

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 534773
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: Natural Resources
Department: Sustainable Biomaterials
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Research / Scientific, Natural Resources

Job Description

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate to support a project titled "Advancing the Competitiveness of Virginia's Forest Sector Industry: A Mixed-Methods Approach." This interdisciplinary research initiative integrates stakeholder engagement, market analysis, and policy evaluation to develop a strategic competitiveness framework for Virginia's forest sector.
The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Pipiet Larasatie and collaborators across academia, industry, and extension to conduct mixed-methods research, develop extension materials, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. The position offers opportunities for professional development in applied research, science communication, and stakeholder collaboration.

Required Qualifications

- Ph.D. in Forest Products, Forestry, Natural Resources, Sustainability, or a related field. PhD must be awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year eligibility remaining.
- Demonstrated experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with stakeholder engagement or extension programming.
- Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS) and qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo).
- Knowledge of forest sector dynamics, rural development, or bioeconomy transitions.
- Experience in publishing peer-reviewed research and developing outreach materials.

Pay Band

{lPayScaleID}

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

November 30, 2025

Additional Information

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

Interested applicants should submit the following materials:
1. Cover Letter outlining research interests and alignment with the project.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including publications and relevant experience.
3. Contact Information for Three References.

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 Trish Colley at colleyp@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: November 10, 2025
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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