Agriculture OPT Jobs in Virginia
Agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia are concentrated along the Shenandoah Valley corridor and the Eastern Shore, where operations in poultry processing, grain production, and agribusiness support STEM and non-STEM OPT roles. Employers like Perdue Farms, Smithfield Foods, and Virginia Tech's agricultural research programs have sponsored international graduates in food science, agricultural engineering, and crop management.
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The Manager, Engineering Education Laboratories provides comprehensive operational, administrative, instructional, and programmatic leadership for the Department of Engineering Education's undergraduate laboratories and project-based learning environments. The Labs Manager leads the strategic and day-to-day management of the department's instructional and experiential learning spaces, including the Frith First-Year Maker Space, Interdisciplinary Education Lab, inVenTs Design Studio, and related laboratory resources.
The Manager is responsible for ensuring that facilities, equipment, personnel, instructional resources, technology, safety protocols, and operational processes effectively support undergraduate engineering education, interdisciplinary project-based learning, student engagement, and faculty-led educational activities. They contribute to initiatives involving student success, program improvement and assessment, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Manager recruits, selects, trains, supervises, schedules, coaches, and evaluates laboratory assistants, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel. The Manager establishes operational priorities, assigns work based on employee capabilities and program needs, and implements processes to ensure continuity of laboratory services. The position develops, monitors, and delivers relevant equipment and laboratory training for all personnel. The Manager serves as the primary departmental liaison with Environmental Health and Safety, facilities personnel, equipment suppliers, and other University partners to ensure that laboratory operations meet department needs and comply with applicable University policies and procedures.
The Manager handles purchasing, inventory, equipment maintenance, asset tracking, service agreements, and resource planning in coordination with the department business office. The Manager evaluates current laboratory needs and develops recommendations concerning equipment, technology, space, staffing, and resource allocation. To do this, they will stay up to date on the latest equipment and technologies available for lab applications.
The Manager must have exceptional organizational skills and adapt quickly to new priorities. They will represent the Department of Engineering Education in interactions with College and University stakeholders, relevant committees, industry representatives, donors, and students.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters degree in engineering, technology, science, or a related discipline; or a Bachelors degree with experience equivalent to a masters degree.
- Significant experience managing or coordinating complex laboratory, maker-space, instructional, technical, or other hands-on educational operations.
- Demonstrated experience supervising, training, scheduling, and/or developing student or professional employees.
- Demonstrated experience managing equipment, materials, inventory, purchasing, or operational record keeping.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement operational procedures, training protocols, and safety practices.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Demonstrated success applying a high level of organizational skills in a large technical environment.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise establish priorities, solve problems, and make operational recommendations.
- Experience with 3D printing, CAD, prototyping, or related engineering technologies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience operating equipment for machining, fabrication, electronics, or other similar systems.
- Experience with laboratory information systems, learning management systems, hardware/data networks, or related technology.
- Experience with vendor negotiation and resource planning.
- Experience developing, documenting, or supporting educational programs, laboratory exercises, training materials, or experiential learning opportunities.
- Experience building partnerships across departments, colleges, industry, or external organizations.
- Working knowledge of VT or other higher education administrative systems/policies is a plus.
OVERTIME STATUS
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
APPOINTMENT TYPE
Regular
SALARY INFORMATION
$90,000 - $105,000 commensurate with experience
HOURS PER WEEK
40
REVIEW DATE
November 9, 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 Tiffany Cunningham at tiffanyc@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
INTRODUCTION
The Manager, Engineering Education Laboratories provides comprehensive operational, administrative, instructional, and programmatic leadership for the Department of Engineering Education's undergraduate laboratories and project-based learning environments. The Labs Manager leads the strategic and day-to-day management of the department's instructional and experiential learning spaces, including the Frith First-Year Maker Space, Interdisciplinary Education Lab, inVenTs Design Studio, and related laboratory resources.
The Manager is responsible for ensuring that facilities, equipment, personnel, instructional resources, technology, safety protocols, and operational processes effectively support undergraduate engineering education, interdisciplinary project-based learning, student engagement, and faculty-led educational activities. They contribute to initiatives involving student success, program improvement and assessment, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Manager recruits, selects, trains, supervises, schedules, coaches, and evaluates laboratory assistants, graduate students, and other laboratory personnel. The Manager establishes operational priorities, assigns work based on employee capabilities and program needs, and implements processes to ensure continuity of laboratory services. The position develops, monitors, and delivers relevant equipment and laboratory training for all personnel. The Manager serves as the primary departmental liaison with Environmental Health and Safety, facilities personnel, equipment suppliers, and other University partners to ensure that laboratory operations meet department needs and comply with applicable University policies and procedures.
The Manager handles purchasing, inventory, equipment maintenance, asset tracking, service agreements, and resource planning in coordination with the department business office. The Manager evaluates current laboratory needs and develops recommendations concerning equipment, technology, space, staffing, and resource allocation. To do this, they will stay up to date on the latest equipment and technologies available for lab applications.
The Manager must have exceptional organizational skills and adapt quickly to new priorities. They will represent the Department of Engineering Education in interactions with College and University stakeholders, relevant committees, industry representatives, donors, and students.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters degree in engineering, technology, science, or a related discipline; or a Bachelors degree with experience equivalent to a masters degree.
- Significant experience managing or coordinating complex laboratory, maker-space, instructional, technical, or other hands-on educational operations.
- Demonstrated experience supervising, training, scheduling, and/or developing student or professional employees.
- Demonstrated experience managing equipment, materials, inventory, purchasing, or operational record keeping.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement operational procedures, training protocols, and safety practices.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Demonstrated success applying a high level of organizational skills in a large technical environment.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise establish priorities, solve problems, and make operational recommendations.
- Experience with 3D printing, CAD, prototyping, or related engineering technologies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience operating equipment for machining, fabrication, electronics, or other similar systems.
- Experience with laboratory information systems, learning management systems, hardware/data networks, or related technology.
- Experience with vendor negotiation and resource planning.
- Experience developing, documenting, or supporting educational programs, laboratory exercises, training materials, or experiential learning opportunities.
- Experience building partnerships across departments, colleges, industry, or external organizations.
- Working knowledge of VT or other higher education administrative systems/policies is a plus.
OVERTIME STATUS
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
APPOINTMENT TYPE
Regular
SALARY INFORMATION
$90,000 - $105,000 commensurate with experience
HOURS PER WEEK
40
REVIEW DATE
November 9, 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 Tiffany Cunningham at tiffanyc@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
OPT Agriculture Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Agriculture Jobs in VirginiaAgriculture OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agriculture companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Virginia?
Virginia's largest agriculture employers with a history of hiring international graduates include Perdue Farms, Smithfield Foods, and Pilgrim's Pride in the poultry and meat processing sector. Agribusiness firms operating in the Shenandoah Valley and Eastern Shore regions, along with Virginia Tech's agricultural research divisions, also sponsor OPT candidates in food science, animal science, and agricultural engineering roles. Sponsorship patterns vary by role and employer need.
Which cities in Virginia have the most agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Harrisonburg and the surrounding Shenandoah Valley are Virginia's most active region for agriculture employment, given its density of poultry and dairy operations. Accomac and Onley on the Eastern Shore support aquaculture and vegetable production roles. Richmond hosts corporate agribusiness and food science positions, while Blacksburg benefits from Virginia Tech's strong agricultural research and extension programs that regularly hire OPT graduates.
What types of agriculture roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Virginia?
Roles that align with your degree field qualify for OPT authorization, so eligibility depends on your major. Agricultural engineering, food science, environmental science, and animal science graduates typically find the strongest match with Virginia employer needs. Research assistant positions at universities, quality assurance roles in food processing, and agronomist positions at commercial farms are common placements. STEM OPT extension applies if your degree appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
How do I find agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 OPT, and by state, so you can browse Virginia agriculture employers that have indicated sponsorship openness without sifting through listings that offer no work authorization support. Filtering by the Agriculture and Farming category on Migrate Mate narrows results to food science, agribusiness, and production roles posted by Virginia-based employers actively seeking OPT candidates.
Are there any Virginia-specific or agriculture-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Virginia agriculture employers in poultry processing and food manufacturing often operate under federal contracts, which can affect their hiring practices and E-Verify requirements for OPT workers. STEM OPT extensions require employers to be E-Verify participants and to complete a formal training plan, so confirming an employer's E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer is important. Virginia Tech and other land-grant institutions in the state are reliable OPT sponsors given their familiarity with international student employment rules.