Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources - Accomack County

Virginia Tech•Accomac, VA

4d•$50,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, provides leadership in determining, implementing, and evaluating educational programs which are designed to solve social, economic, and environmental problems in agriculture and natural resources. The agent is an educator, an information provider, a needs assessor, a problem solving resource for clientele, and networks with the agricultural industry, specialists, Extension agents and agency representatives. This position is housed in Accomack County, Virginia. The VCE Accomack ANR Extension agent will emphasize the following areas: Develop new markets, educate producers about the potential for new markets, and connect growers with markets. Assist producers with understanding the forces that create opportunities for collaborative marketing efforts. Increase producer development of value added agricultural products. Increase producer understanding and potential adoption of specialized product opportunities such as aquaculture, viticulture, small fruit production, and others as identified. Collaborate on the development and expansion of agritourism enterprises, sustainable agriculture and events promoting agriculture. Develop and expand web based marketing efforts. Partner with and provide technical assistance to various producer organizations. Pursue and collaborate on grant applications such as the Governor's Agriculture and Forest Industries Development Fund, Governor's Innovation Program, and Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, among others. Collaborate with county, state, and federal departments and agencies to support the goals of agricultural producers. Work closely with County Economic Development, Extension Leadership Council, and stakeholders to insure responsiveness to evolving issues and needs as identified. This position provides research based information to citizens by employing various delivery methods targeted to broad audiences; works closely with producers, agribusinesses, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils and appropriate agents and specialists to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities; uses farm and business visits as a means to remain knowledgeable of specific local needs and problems related to agricultural production, marketing, and environmental protection; fosters communication among agricultural producers, marketers, processors and consumers; maintains a high level of proficiency in subject matter field by participating in in service training and professional activities; works closely with citizens and local, state, and federal officials to aid Virginia in preparing and responding to natural or other emergencies and disasters.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, select, train, and manage volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to lead groups, plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational information programs.
Knowledge and use of computer technology in educational programming and management.
Presentation skills.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work effectively with broad audiences.
Ability to work with minimal supervision in an unstructured setting.
Flexibility and adaptability.
Team-oriented mindset.
Ability to work independently.
Strong desire to help clients succeed.
Must have a driver's license check with an acceptable and safe driving record.
Must have a criminal conviction check.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree is preferred.
A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership in determining, implementing, and evaluating educational programs designed to solve social, economic, and environmental problems in agriculture and natural resources.
Acts as an educator, information provider, needs assessor, and problem-solving resource for clientele.
Networks with the agricultural industry, specialists, Extension agents, and agency representatives.
Develops new markets and educates producers about market potential.
Assists producers in understanding collaborative marketing opportunities.
Increases producer development of value-added agricultural products.
Increases producer understanding and adoption of specialized product opportunities (e.g., aquaculture, viticulture, small fruit production).
Collaborates on the development and expansion of agritourism enterprises, sustainable agriculture, and events promoting agriculture.
Develops and expands web-based marketing efforts.
Partners with and provides technical assistance to various producer organizations.
Pursues and collaborates on grant applications.
Collaborates with county, state, and federal departments and agencies to support agricultural producers.
Works closely with County Economic Development, Extension Leadership Council, and stakeholders to ensure responsiveness to evolving issues and needs.
Provides research-based information to citizens using various targeted delivery methods.
Identifies and prioritizes issues, problems, and opportunities with producers, agribusinesses, community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils, and appropriate agents and specialists.
Uses farm and business visits to stay informed about local needs and problems in agricultural production, marketing, and environmental protection.
Fosters communication among agricultural producers, marketers, processors, and consumers.
Maintains a high level of proficiency in the subject matter field through in-service training and professional activities.
Works with citizens and officials to aid Virginia in preparing for and responding to natural or other emergencies and disasters.