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Senior Entomologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Research Faculty Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences Department: Entomology Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Agriculture / Life Science The Urban Evolutionary Entomology ...

Staff Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences Department: Entomology Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Agriculture / Life Science Responsible for supervising and participating in ...

Senior Entomologist information

See Virginia salary details

$24.8K

$79.6K

$162.1K

How much do senior entomologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior entomologist in Virginia is $79,598.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,100.00 and $102,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior entomologist?

A Senior Entomologist is an experienced scientist who studies insects and their relationships to humans, other organisms, and the environment. They typically oversee research projects, manage teams, and provide expert advice on insect identification, behavior, and control. Senior Entomologists may work in fields such as agriculture, public health, environmental science, or academia. Their work helps address issues like pest management, disease prevention, and biodiversity conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior entomologist?

To thrive as a Senior Entomologist, you need advanced knowledge of insect biology, ecology, and taxonomy, usually supported by a master's or doctoral degree in entomology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, field sampling techniques, data analysis software, and possibly certifications such as Board Certification in Entomology are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, leadership, and effective communication skills help distinguish top professionals in this role. These competencies are crucial for conducting impactful research, leading teams, and providing expert guidance in pest management, agriculture, or public health contexts.

What are some typical challenges faced by senior entomologists when leading field research projects?

Senior Entomologists often encounter challenges such as coordinating large research teams, managing complex logistics for fieldwork in remote areas, and ensuring data quality under variable environmental conditions. They are also responsible for balancing project timelines with grant requirements and adapting research methods to unexpected changes, like weather disruptions or shifting insect populations. Effective communication and collaboration with colleagues, stakeholders, and sometimes government agencies are vital to address these challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Senior Entomologist vs Entomologist?

AspectSenior EntomologistEntomologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Entomology or related field; experience often requiredBachelor's or Master's in Entomology or related field; entry-level roles
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, fieldwork, consulting firms, government agenciesResearch, fieldwork, pest control companies, academic institutions
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, government agencies, pest management companiesUniversities, pest control firms, agricultural companies

The main difference between a Senior Entomologist and an Entomologist is experience level and responsibility. Senior Entomologists typically have more years of experience, oversee projects, and provide expert guidance, while Entomologists are often entry- to mid-level professionals focused on research and fieldwork.

Are senior entomologists in high demand?

Senior entomologists are in moderate to high demand in sectors such as agriculture, public health, and research institutions, especially those with specialized skills in pest management, insect identification, and data analysis. Employment opportunities often depend on industry needs, geographic location, and relevant certifications or advanced degrees.

Is there a shortage of senior entomologists?

The demand for senior entomologists is generally steady due to ongoing needs in agriculture, public health, and research sectors. While shortages can occur in specific regions or specialties, overall employment opportunities remain available for qualified professionals with advanced degrees and experience in entomology.

What are two hard skills that a senior entomologist needs to have?

A senior entomologist needs strong skills in insect identification and data analysis, often using specialized laboratory equipment and software. Proficiency in research methodologies and report writing is also essential for conducting studies and communicating findings effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Entomologist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Entomologist jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Entomologist jobs in Virginia?

For Senior Entomologist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Entomologist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Entomologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Entomologist job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 14% As Needed, 18% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 11% Temporary, and 49% Contract. Highlights an 2% Physical, 96% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,598 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Aquatic Entomology Research Technician

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Aquatic Entomology Research Technician
Job no: 537427
Work type: Hourly Wage/Part-Time
Senior management: Agriculture & Life Sciences
Department: Entomology
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Agriculture / Life Science
Job Description
Assist with field and lab work. The applicant needs to know the basic field sampling methods for streams, rivers and wetlands that will be used to assess water condition and biological community composition and ecosystem processes. In the lab, water sample processing and aquatic invertebrate sampling will be conducted. A research technician is needed to oversee aquatic entomology projects, with an emphasis on supporting on-going field and laboratory projects supervised by Dr. Sally Entrekin
Required Qualifications
B.S. in biology, entomology or related field; or equivalent years of training and experience; Knowledge of aquatic ecology; Experience with ecological field work; Experience working under less than ideal environmental conditions: e.g., winter and summer sampling that requires long hikes to field sites with heavy packs.
Preferred Qualifications
B.S. in biology, entomology or related field; Basic experience with aquatic field sampling techniques, identification of macroinvertebrates to the genus level, and an interest in aquatic ecology and entomology.
Pay Band
2
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
$20.00/hr.
Hours per week
32
Review Date
09/03/2026
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. Sally Entrekin at sallye@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Advertised: August 24, 2026
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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