Staff Opportunities

The Virginia Governor’s School for Agriculture (VGSA) seeks Governor’s School Leaders (GSLs) to help support 90 to 100 gifted and advanced youth from across the Commonwealth to grow in their understanding of agriculture, have a college preparation experience, and build a safe and fun environment for all students.

What does a GSL do?

The GSL position is a multifaceted role that requires wearing many hats. GSLs live with VGSA students in the residence hall and share meals with them at D2 throughout the program. Their days are long, starting with breakfast and extending past evening bed checks. GSLs juggle diverse responsibilities, including ensuring the safety and whereabouts of 90 to 100 high school students, guiding them in writing papers, developing research posters, and delivering conference-style presentations. They also facilitate a wide range of social activities, such as athletic events, scavenger hunts, panel discussions, cookouts, field trips, and farm visits.

Beyond logistical and academic support, GSLs play a critical role in fostering students' emotional well-being. They provide guidance to students navigating communal living, being away from home, and adjusting to new experiences—often for the first time. Acting as a friend, mentor, teacher, and disciplinarian, GSLs embrace a role that is as demanding as it is rewarding and fun.

GSLs are expected to:

• Stay in the residence halls overnight and dine in D2 during the contracted days.
• Facilitate and support in-person learning activities.
• Have a valid United States driver’s license and be capable of driving a 12-passenger van.
• Be comfortable being in a leadership role for high-school-aged youth, which includes acting in the capacity of a mentor and disciplinarian when needed.
• Support youth learning in formal classroom and non-formal social settings.
• Adhere to program policies and rules at all times.

The GSL employment contract runs from June 24 – July 19, which includes on-site staff training. Because of the short-term nature of the program, successful applicants must be available to work the dates listed above; we are not able to accommodate large blocks of time off for vacations, family events, etc. A date and time for GSL onboarding during the Virginia Tech spring semester will be determined at a later date.

Interested in applying?

Click on the link below to view the full position description, additional required skills, basic and preferred qualifications, and benefits:

2025 Governor’s School for Agriculture Staff Full Position Description

2025 Governor’s School for Agriculture Staff Application

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Once an applicant has submitted all the required materials, they will be contacted to set up an interview time by GSA staff. Additional questions can be directed to Dr. Brett Milliken (bmilliken@vt.edu), Director of Virginia Governor’s School for Agriculture.