Small Farm Agent

 "Greater Happens HERE"

Title: Small Farm Agent

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist III

Hiring Range: Up to a max of $63,000.00, commensurate with experience and education

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Virginia State University

Location: Virginia State University

Agency Website: www.VSU.edu

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

This position will serve as the State Program Assistant conducting SFOP objectives and programs and to support the development and implementation of technical assistance provide such as plant and food systems, forestry, livestock, and applied forage management research demonstrations across all SFOP covered territories. This position will help integrate the use of applied research practices, techniques, and findings to promote and sustain projects and programs developed in conjunction with the COA’s Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research programs.

The College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension & Agricultural Research Station provides programs and services to improve the educational and socio-economic well-being of students, families, and communities—focusing on excellence through integrated instruction, research and extension programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of major and specialty crop enterprises production practices, and farm businesses management principles and practices.

Skill in the use of personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheets, database management, presentation, and graphic applications.

Skill in report writing, developing, and delivering educational material to producers.

Demonstrated ability to work with small farmers and veterans; to plan, develop and implement comprehensive agriculture education programs for audiences in formal and informal settings;

To establish and maintain close working relationships with a broad variety of individuals, groups and organizations.

To develop, market, and promote program goals and objectives.

Demonstrated ability to teach and facilitate both online and in person.

Ability to meet travel requirements of the position.

Additional Considerations

N/A

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Virginia State University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all persons and applicants, without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, political affiliation, genetic information, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex (including pregnancy) or veteran status. VSU encourages and invites minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY: Virginia State University only accepts applications for this position through the on-line state Recruitment Management System (PageUp). Faxed, e-mailed, and mailed applications and/or attachments will not be accepted. The application must be detailed and fully completed. All employment and periods of unemployment (if applicable) must be listed within the application; either on an attached resume, or manually listed in the “Relevant Work History” section. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided on the application, therefore, it is essential to fully complete each section of the application and provide descriptive information. Submitting an incomplete state application, or a state application lacking in detail, may result in your non-selection. This website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested persons must attach a cover letter and a current resume/c.v to the online application. Official transcripts will be required at the time of employment.

The selected candidate will be subject to an extensive and complete background check, which may include fingerprinting. The candidate may be required to complete a Statement of Economic Interest as a condition of employment, if applicable.

Employment-based visa sponsorship at Virginia State University (VSU) is not guaranteed and will be evaluated carefully on a case-by-case basis. Federal law does not require employers to provide immigration sponsorship, and VSU is not obligated to offer it. Employment at VSU does not permit an individual to work in the United States unless the appropriate employment authorization has been obtained and verified in accordance with federal immigration compliance requirements.

Commonwealth’s Alternative Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx , or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

• Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)
  Immediate vesting | Portable | Investment choice
• Virginia Retirement System (VRS)
  Defined benefit pension | Lifetime monthly income
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP)
• 403(b) (TIAA)
• Comprehensive medical & dental plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid annual and sick leave
• Paid state and federal holidays
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility

Contact Information

Name: Sherry Hale

Phone: 804-524-1219

Email: Recruit@vsu.edu

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 29 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 03 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time

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